The (Sorta) Early History of Playing Cards in Europe

I was very interested in learning about playing cards for last week’s blog, I decided to revisit the subject. This time I’m focussing a bit less on the cultural reaction and methods of creating the cards, and more so looking into a couple decks I thought were interesting and some early card games. 

The Cloisters Playing Cards

This illuminated manuscript deck is the earliest completed playing card set to be found, being dated to around 1470-1480. This deck, similarly to the one I discussed in the previous blog post, has a hunting theme. The four suits are hunting horns, dog collars, hound tethers, and game nooses, with each suit having a king, queen, and knave. They were all hand painted, and impressively, the face cards are freehanded. The costumes of the face cards are extremely extravagant. The eccentricities in their outfits, though not always accurate to how they would have dress, are definitely eye-catching.

My personal favourite card of the deck is the Knave of Nooses. This is because he looks very silly, and his face is quite ugly.

Master PW Circular Playing Cards

These Circular playing cards are dated around 1500 and made in Germany. The five suites in this uniquely circular deck are Hares, Parrots, Carnations, Columbines, and Roses. As you may have noticed, this deck has a pleasant nature theme. This deck is quite deck is quite different than the others I’ve mentioned as they are Copperplate engravings on paper. Although they are widely considered playing cards, it’s debated whether this deck was ever intended for playing, and were more likely simply considered as fine decorative prints.

What I believe to be especially interesting about these cards is this extra card included in the deck, entitled Death. This card brings profundity in an overall simple and pleasant deck and proves that these cards were meant to be pondered and interpreted, more so than played with. 

Games

I found varying sources either dating the invention of this well-known card game from either 1603 or 1700. The game was originally name Veintiuna, which is Spanish for 21, with the player’s objective being to get closest to 21 without busting. Sound familiar? As you may have guessed, this game was later renamed blackjack. The earliest western card game recorded is. Although I’ve never heard of it, apparently this German card game is still played today.

Until next time… (again)

There was a lot more to draw from for this blog post as playing cards were popping up all around Europe and become much more widespread and accessible. I wonder how much change will happen in the next few hundred years… 

Sources

https://www.wopc.co.uk/history-the-history-of-playing-cards/early-history-of-playing-cards

https://www.wopc.co.uk/germany/master-pw/circular

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/475513

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/history-of-playing-cards

https://www.metmuseum.org/blogs/in-season/2016/the-cloisters-playing-cards

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/697453

https://crescent.edu/post/the-history-of-blackjack