Getting started with the collection:
Narcissus
Stefano della Bella (1610-1664) after a design by Jean Desmarets de Saint-Sorlin (1595-1676), etchings, 1644-1645
Narcissus is here part of the so-called mythology game. It consisted of 52 playing cards, each marked with a heart, diamond, club, or spade. The pack was developed in 1644 for the then six-year-old Louis XIV. He had become King of France the previous year and Cardinal Mazarin intended them for the education and amusement of the young sovereign. This game was the first in a series of four: the other three treated geography, Famous Queens, and French Kings.
- Artwork typeprint, playing card, titelprent
- Object numberRP-P-OB-34.739
- Dimensionsheight 54 mm x width 91 mm
- Physical characteristicsets