New Playing Cards for the French Republic (1793-94).
Introduction
This is a playing card from a charming collection of new designs for a deck
which were issued during the French Revolution (1793-94). They were designed
by moderate liberal republican supporters of the revolution (which included
people such as the Marquis de Condorcet) who believed in the rule of law, free
markets, the equality of women under the law, and the emancipation of slaves.
As they said in their pamphlet they wanted to reinforce the principles of the
revolution in such everyday items as playing cards, since the traditional designs
had face or "court" cards depicting Kings, Queens, and Jacks who
were the beneficiaries of the old privileged political order which had just
been overthrown. It seemed obvious to them that a new design even for such
mundaine things as playing cards was required under the Republic to reflect
the new principles of government and which "the love of liberty demands".
Here we show "The Spirit of Peace" (equivalent to the Queen of Clubs)
which the designers explain as follows: ""Peace" is seated on
an ancient seat and is holding in one hand the roll of the laws, in his other
hand is the fasces signifying concord and on which is written the word "Union".
Lying near him are a cornucopia and a plowshare; an olive branch which he is
holding in his right hand shows its influence and justifies the word "Prosperity" which
is placed next to him." An intriguing aspect of the designs was the important
role which they gave to economic liberty: the Spirit of Peace" has as
his motto "prosperity"; the "Spirit of Commerce" has for
his "wealth"; and the "Liberty of the Professions" has "industry".
Thus fully one quarter of the face cards deals with one or another aspect of
economic freedom.
This guide will provide high resolution images
of the new designs, a translation of some of the explanatory descriptions which
accompanied them, and some
commentary on the meaning and significance of these images.
Source and Copyright
Nouvelles cartes de la Republique française. Plus de rois
de dames de valets; le génie, la liberté, l'égalité les remplacent: la loi
seule est au dessus d'eux (Paris: U. Jaume et J.D. Dugourc, 1793-1794).
Further Reading
The Title Page showing the complete set of Face Cards
Introduction
This pamphlet was an announcement or even an advertisement of a new design
for playing cards that were more suitable for the conditions of post-revolutionary
France than the traditional "feudal" or aristocratic designs. They
were created by Citizens Jaume and Dugourc of Paris in 1793-94 and enjoyed
a grant of patent or copyright ("brevet d'invention") which probably
lead them to believe the venture would be a profitable one. One motivating
factor was the blatent contradiction they could see between playing cards which
showed representatives of the old order (kings and queens and knights) which
had so recently been overthrown in a bloody revolution. To right thinking republicans
and to others "of taste" the
constant reminder of the leaders of the old order, caused even by looking at
the face cards of a deck of cards was offensive:
It is not (just) Republicans who might make use (even in jest) of expressions
which constantly recall despotism and inequality, there was no
person of Taste who was not shocked by the contradiction of the figures on
playing cards and the insignificance of their names.
So Citizens Jaume and Dugourc set about creating new playing cards which could
serve not just as a means to while away the hours in pleasant games but
which would also be a "Manual of the Revolution", reminding players
of "the
spirit of all the characters of Liberty and Equality". In typical Cartesian
manner they created a strictly rational and hierarchical structure to depict
these "characters of Liberty and Equality". They came up with a double
hierarchy. Firstly, vertically across the different suits there are the republican
and revolutionary equivalents of the aristocratic ace, king, queen, and knight
- namely, the law, the spirits, liberties, and equalities. These are explained
in more detail below and are quite well articulated by the designers in their
pamphlet. Secondly, there is an order horizontally within each suit the meaning
of which is harder to determine. This will not be explored here until a later
date.
Overview
The image is in the shape of a square made up of 4 cards across (the suits
of hearts, clubs, spades, and diamonds) and 4 cards down (the court cards or
denominations). The designers have retained the traditional suits but have
changed the names of the face cards or court cards (ace, king, queen, knave).
The Ace cards have become "The Law" cards, the Kings have become "Spirit" cards,
the Queens have become "Liberty" cards, and the Knaves (or Knights)
have become
"Equality" cards.
When one reads across the image (following the suits) we can see the
following relationships:
- the suit of Hearts includes "the Spirit of War", the "Liberty
of Religion", and the "Equality of Duties" (presided over
by the "Ace of
the Law (of the French Republic)" [See larger
size image 1200px]
- the suit of Clubs includes "the Spirit of Peace", the "Liberty
of Marriage", and the "Equality of Rights" (presided over
by the "Ace of the Law (of the French Republic)" [See larger
size image 1200px]
- the suit of Spades includes "the Spirit of the Arts", the "Liberty
of the Press", and the "Equality of Rank (Classes)" (presided
over by the "Ace of the Law (of the French Republic)" [See larger
size image 1200px]
- the suit of Diamonds includes "the Spirit of Commerce", the "Liberty
of the Professions", and the "Equality of Coloured People (Races)" (presided
over by the "Ace of the Law (of the French Republic)" [See larger
size image 1200px]
Reading down the image we encounter cards of the same rank or denomination,
which were once taken by the Aces, Kings, Queens, and Knights (Knaves). These
are the groupings which we will discuss below in more detail.
The New "Court Cards) ("Dénominations")
The Law (la Loi) replaces Aces (les As)
The common elements for all the Ace cards is the statement "The Law (of)
the French Republic", and a square made up of four Roman republican fasces
lashed together (affirming the idea that individual rods are unbreakably
strong when they are united together). The commentary in the pamphlet states:
If the true friends of philosophy and humanity have noticed with pleasure
that included among the Equality face cards are sans-culottes and negroes,
they will especially like to see The Law as the sole sovereign of a free
people. It surrounds the Ace of the supreme power, whose symbol is the fasces,
and provides it with its name. [p. 3]
By making "the Law" the dominant face card of each suit the designers
are making the point that the rule of the law is the supreme or governing
force of the new French society. Everything which falls beneath it is under
its jursidiction or "sovereignty". It derives its authority from
both moral philosophy and the strength of the people (represented by the roman
fasces).
Spirit (la Génie) replaces Kings (Rois)
Beneath the law comes the next highest face card in the suit. Literally under
the jurisdiction of the Law comes the four driving forces or "Spirits" (la
Génie) - War, Peace, the Arts, and Commerce - which together determine the
direction society takes.
All four "Spirits" (or
Geniuses) are depicted as winged gods with a strong Roman appearance (and are
all male). "War" wears
a lion skin over his head and shoulders but the other three wear the red Phrygian
cap (or "liberty
cap")
which is the symbol of the freed slave. The following descriptions come from
Jaume and Dugourc's pamphlet [comments by the editor are in square brackets].
"War" is holding in one hand a short sword surrounded by a laurel
wreath ("a civic crown"), in his other hand he is holding a shield
which is decorated with lightning bolts and a laurel wreath and on which
one can read "For the
French Republic". He is seated on a mortar which is the symbol of military
steadfastness. To the side is written the word "Force" which is
represented by the lion's skin which is draped around his head. [p. 1] [Editor:
there appears to be a mythical beast, a griffin, at the feet of War. Griffins
had the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle and were thus symbols
of great courage and ferocity].
"Peace" is seated on an ancient seat and is holding in one hand the roll
of the laws, in his other hand is the fasces signifying concord and on which
is written the word "Union". Lying near him are a cornucopia and a plowshare;
an olive branch which he is holding in his right hand shows its influence
and justifies the word "Prosperity" which is placed next to him. [p. 2]
"The Arts" is holding in one hand a lyre and a plectrum, in his
other hand he holds a statue of Apollo. He is sitting on a block of stone
on which are carved hieyroglyphics and is surrounded by instruments or products
of the Arts. A laurel crown and a Liberty cap adorn his head, to the side
is the word "Taste". [p.2] [Editor: At the feet of "The Arts" is
a painter's palette and the head of a statue].
"Commerce" holds in his hands a purse, the caduceus, and an olive
branch which are symbols of Mercury. His boots shows his indefatigable activity
and his face reveals his deep thoughts. He is sitting on a bail of goods
and his wallet, papers, and book are at his feet, showing that confidence
and reliability are the foundation stones of commerce, just as exchanges
are its means, and order ensures its safety. [p. 2] [Editor: At the feet
of "Commerce" are an ink well and quill pen, a satchel or brief
case with the words "Confidance and Fidelity" written on it, a
wallet with the word "Exchange" written on it, and a book with
a slip of paper inserted in it with the word "Order" written on it. The bail
of goods has 2 symbols on it - a combined P and L and a heart with a cross
through it, the meaning of which is not clear].
What is interesting about the four driving forces of society depicted here
is that two of them involve economic activities - "Peace" has a plowshare
at his feet and his motto is "prosperity"; "Commerce" is
sitting on some cargo and has a ship's anchor at his feet (along with several
other symbols of economic activity) and his motto is "wealth". One
could say that the former references the productivity of the land and agriculture,
while the second references the wealth to be gained by international free trade
across the oceans.
Liberty (la Liberté) replaces Queens (Dames)
Beneath the overarching rule of law which governs all aspects of society are
the main driving forces of society - War,
Peace, the Arts, and Commerce - which in turn give rise to the four
main kinds of Liberty which the people can enjoy, namely freedom of religion,
of marriage, of the press, and of industry ("the professions"). Unlike
the three Spirits mentioned above, these four "Liberties" are not
wearing the Phrygian cap of liberty but brandish them on staffs or spears.
They are also all female.
"Liberty of Religion" is holding one hand over her heart and in her other
hand she is holding a spear on top of which is her symbolic cap and a pennant
on which is written "God alone". Gathered together by her is The Talmud,
the Koran, and the New Testament which are symbols of the three most famous
religions. In the distance one can see a desert palm and to her side is written
the word "Fraternity". [p. 2]
Thanks to "Divorce," Marriage will be nothing more than the voluntary
combination of Modesty and Wisdom, which is what the word "Modesty" means,
and the statuette of modest Venus which is placed next to "Liberty",
(is) one of its homes. And the word "Divorce" which is written
on the sign that she holds in her hand, is like a beneficial amulet which
will remind spouses constantly that their faithfulness must be mutual in
order to last. [p. 2]
"Liberty of the Press" appears to have written the word "History" after
having dealt with "Morality", "Religion", "Philosophy", "Politics",
and
"Physics". At her feet lie several writings and the masks from
two plays which are joined by a heroic trumpet; a wooden club, placed next
to her, shows her strength, and the word "Enlightenment shows her effects.
[p. 2] [Editor: Liberty of the Press is also holding in her right hand a
laurel wreath].
"Liberty of the Professions" has for her attributes only a cornucopia
and a pomegranate, symbols of fecundity. Her mottos are "Industry" and
the "Trading
License" (Patents) which she holds in her hand.
Equality (l'Égalité) replaces Knights/Knaves (Valets)
The four "Equalities" show some of the practical consequences of
the rule of law and the liberties depicted above. Here we have four identifiable
individuals rather than abstractions like "forces" or "Liberties" -
namely, a member of the National Guard, a Judge, an ordinary sans-culottes,
and an ex-slave.
[Equality of Duties] - Here is a National Guard whose devotion to the Country
results in pubic "Security". This key word is written next to him.
[p. 3] [Editor: The guardsman is sitting on an overtuned drum, behind him
are his troop's colors. In his right hand he has a rifle, in his left hand
is a folded piece of paper which says "For the Fatherland". His
left foot is resting on top of a pile of cannon balls.
[Equality of Rights] - A Judge dressed in the costume of a Repubican (presumably)
holds in one hand the scales of justice and the other hand is resting on
the altar of the Law, which states that it is equal for all. He is treading
underfoot the hydra of legal chicanery (squabbling) whose heads lie on the
ground. Next to him is the word "Justice." [p.
3] [Editor: Equality of Rights is wearing a plumed hat and the altar of the
law has a Roman fasces carved on it].
The "Equality of Classes" is represented by a man of the 14th
July 1789 and of the 10th August 1792 who is armed and trampling underfoot
the coat of arms and titles of the nobility. He points to the feudal rights
which have been torn up and to the stone from the Bastille on which he sits.
Next to him is the word "Strength". [p.
3] [Editor: The sans-culotte is pointing to a piece of rubble on which is
written "demolition of the Bastille 10 August 1794". There are papers
with the "feudal rights" and "nobility" written on them.
Under his left foot is a heraldic shield of a noble family].
[Equality of Races] - The Negro, having broken free of his shackles, treads
underfoot a broken yoke. Seated on a bail of coffee, he seems to enjoy again
the pleasure of being free and being armed. To one side one can see a camp
and on the other side some sugar cane. The word "Courage" (shows)
that the Man of Colour has at last taken his revenge for the unjust disregard
of his oppressors. [p.
3]
Conclusion
In the concluding "Observations" of the pamphlet, the
authors clearly state that their intention has been to recognize the social,
legal, economic, and political changes which "the love of liberty demands"
[p. 4]. Yet they seem to sense that some of their illustrations might unnerve
some readers (or card players), especially their defence of the right to divorce,
and the legitimacy of the revolt of the sans-culottes against the feudal privileges
of the nobility, and the uprising of the slaves against their masters. In the
opening remarks to the pamphlet they quickly reassure their readers that all
these changes have been achieved strictly under the guidance of the rule of
law:
If the true friends of philosophy and humanity have noticed with pleasure
that included among the Equality face cards are sans-culottes and negroes,
they will especially like to see The Law as the sole sovereign of a free
people. It surrounds the Ace of the supreme power, whose symbol is the fasces,
and provides it with its name. [p.1]
Furthermore, they temper their thoughts on divorce by repeatedly stressing
the importance of "modesty" (although they do remind the reader/player
that marriage must be voluntary and mutual between both spouses in order to
be long lasting).
The political views which lie behind the images Citizens Jaume and Dugourc
created for their Republican deck of cards were those of the moderate, constitutional
liberals of the first phase of the French Revolution, perhaps best resented
by the Marquis de Condorcet and the Girondin faction. They believed in government
limited by the rule of law; the freedom of religion, the press, and of commerce;
and equality before the law regardless of sex, rank, or race. This group of
moderate republicans were swept aside by the Jacobins who came to power during
the Terror, many of them being forced into exile or killed like Condorcet.
These playing cards thus represent those who had a different vision of the
possibilities of the French Revolution than Robespierre in 1795 and then Napoleon
in 1799.
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