Italian - Fortune Telling Cards, mid 19th century - late 19th century

Italian

Fortune Telling Cards, mid 19th century - late 19th century

Painted woodcuts, 9.2 x 5.2 cm (3 5/8 x 2 1/16 in.)

Commentary

This colorful, 36-card deck is likely an example of an Italian-made Romani fortune telling deck. While it does share similarities with a Romani deck, it is clearly Italian in its imagery. Soldiers are depicted in 19th century Italian military uniforms and an “Il Diavolo”— The Devil—card has been added to the deck, reflecting the beliefs of the predominantly Roman Catholic nation.

Isabella probably acquired this deck on one of her many trips to Italy.