Claude Monet as the Queen of Hearts

The Maker

Text on both the Ace of Hearts and Ace of Clubs identifies the maker of the present deck as “Palmier, Paris”. While there is evidence of other documents printed by Palmier, there are no other decks of cards attributed to this firm.

The Cards

Each card displays one of a selection of caricatures, often with their heads enlarged to ridiculous proportions. The figures are sourced from everyday French life, with common characters such as the soldier and the policeman making an appearance. The bodies of some are ridiculously exaggerated, while others evoke humour in more bizarre ways, such as the “chasseur à cheval” who has a wooden horse on the King of Diamonds. All card are coloured in gaudy shades of yellow, red and blue.

One interesting card is the Queen of Hearts, which shows “l’artiste”. The character shown could perhaps be intended to represent Claude Monet, who started his own artistic career as a caricaturist. The figure certainly bears a strong resemblance to the famous painter. In the upper left corner of each card, there is a miniature version of the playing card.

The simplicity of the deck, with its sketch-like quality, can be attributed to the use of inferior-quality grey paper. This is likely also the reason that the present deck is so rare, and the publishing company of Palmier so little-known.

LEQUART & MIGNOT

[Fairytale playing cards].

Publication [Paris, Lequart & Mignot, c1890].

Description

32 engraved playing cards with fine original hand-colour, versos plain.

Dimensions 85 by 53mm (3.25 by 2 inches).

References British Museum Schreiber French 48; Van den Bergh p.209.