Who painted Playing Cards?

Playing Cards was painted by Italian 15th Century in 1401.

Where can I see Playing Cards?

Playing Cards is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Playing Cards?

Playing Cards is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Playing Cards

Italian 15th Century , 1401

Playing Cards is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Italian 15th Century. It dates from 1401 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The print 'Playing Cards' is a woodcut on laid paper, comprising 24 small scenes arranged in a grid. Each scene is distinct and features a figure or symbol, accompanied by a Roman numeral.

Subject & Meaning

The scenes depict various figures, including angels, people in robes, and crowned individuals, possibly representing different ranks or suits, similar to those found on playing cards. The imagery may be symbolic or allegorical, but its specific meaning is unclear.

Technique & Style

The print is executed in a simple style, utilizing black lines against a light background, characteristic of early printmaking techniques. The use of woodcut, a relief printing method, allowed for mass production of the image.

Artist & collection

Artist

Italian 15th Century

This anonymous Italian engraver from the 1490s carved images that could be peeled apart like paper dolls—each knot in the "First Knot" print was cut from a single sheet so you could lift the loops right off the page.