#minchiate deck

Minchiate Francesi

Say hello to the Minchiate Francesi, a deck created by François de Poilly in mid-seventeenth-century France—the first in a new series where I introduce my collection, including reproductions of gems from the nineteenth century and prior.

The cards above were used to play, well, Minchiate, a game that also inspired Italian decks. They depict Greco-Roman deities, virtues and other trumps, the twelve zodiac signs, the five senses, the four elements and, of course, good old playing-card pips.

I’ve fallen in love with their dreamy atmosphere and delicate pastoral scenes in crimson and pale tones. Perfect for both divination and escapism. ☕

See you soon with another deck.