The Digital Ark: Early Modern Collections of Curiosities in England and Scotland, 1580-1700
French playing cards; [ARK00067]
Attached People: Collector (major) - Bargrave, John (1610-1680)Location(s): Current location at - Canterbury Cathedral Library and Archives (Library and/or Archive) -> Canterbury Cathedral (Institution)
Annotation:[Canterbury Catalog: Commissioned by the King's Chief Minister, Cardinal Mazarin, these "Jeu d'armourie"cards were created by 'Monsieur Demarest' to familiarise the young Louis XIV with the geography of Europe. Demarest was, in fact, Jean Desmarets, Sieur de Saint-Solin, one of the leading French writers and dramatists of the 17th century and a founder of the Academie Francaise. Desmarets created the following suits and meanings: Hearts- France; Clubs- Italy; Spades- Germany, England, Denmark, Sweden and rest of "northern parts"; Diamonds- Spain, Portugal and "all their territories". The cards therefore were used as a learning tool for the young king in geography, history and warfare.] (c.1642)