The Rouen Pattern

Pierre Maréchal - 1567

The patrimony of the English Standard can be clearly seen in the Rouen Pattern. All the details of the Kings and Courtiers can be seen in full length portraiture showing many of the details that were lost over the centuries. These are the Jacks, Kings and Queens as they originally appeared. Here the King of Diamonds can be seen in profile, his back toward us and his left hand outstretched. Jack Club is holding a long spear with a turned shaft. And the King of Clubs can be seen with his orb. The Queen of Spades, however, is not holding a sceptre as she does in the English Standard.

Further Reading

Regional Patterns of 18th Century France
The English Pattern
Gallery of Early Standard Playing Cards
WhiteKnuckle Standard Playing Cards

L I N K S

International Playing Card Society Decline of the English Court Card.
PlainBacks.com: Extensive gallery of early standard playing cards. Famous American and English makers. Plain Backs is a celebration of the English Court Card as a cultural design icon.
History of Playing Cards - Playing Cards.us: Brief History of Playing Cards
Sea Of Pain Fine Art Productions - Brett A. Jones works from his studio in Queensland, Australia. Only recently he has completed a rendition of the English Pattern.