A charming and rather scarce early French religious card game, measuring 2.75 x 4.25 x .75 inches. The deck of cards was the fifth in a series of 16 published between 1808 and 1821 in Lille. This particular deck for children is played a catechetical role, ". . . containing an abridgment of sacred history, from the creation of the world to the birth of the Messiah . . ." which it was hoped the young would learn through their use.
The deck is illustrated with wood-engraved portraits by Pierre-François Godard (1768-1838) and printed by Pierre Didot (1760-1853). These portraits are in medallions above a short biography of the relevant Old Testament figure. Originally produced and sold by Vanackere in Lille and H. Nicolle in Paris.
Cinqueme Jeu De Cartes, Contenant un Abrege De L'Histoire Sainte, De Puis la Creation Du Mondejusqu'a la Naissance du Messie. Lille & Paris, France. c.1815 [nd].
Good + condition. The cards are complete and exceptionally bright and clean. The telescoping lithographed box is fair only and in addition to its usual telescope method of opening seems to have been modified or lost its bottom, allowing the cards to be removed through the bottom opening. Rubbed and worn as shown.
