Playing cards - Paper

A deck of hand-painted playing cards from central Italy in the early 1800s. They are rare/unobtainable. They have been assessed by several experts, all of whom gave roughly the same opinion. A unique piece, as was customary at the time for commissioned works (the author cannot be defined because they are unsigned, even though they were almost certainly created by a notable artist. When commissioned, especially by important families, authors often did not sign them).

The photos speak for themselves and highlight the author's hand. Considering the horses, which are visible from the back in reverse (not seen in such decks of this kind), they might evoke Napoleon’s defeat and therefore probably date after 1815.

The Rivoltinatura technique is present (an Italian technique used to protect playing cards).

The cards appear as shown in the photos, i.e., without signs of wear and in excellent condition.

I have owned them for over 40 years.