Hab.ts d'Egypte from playing cards "Jeu d'Or" 18th century

This playing card, part of the "Jeu d'Or" set, was likely made in France using engraving and hand-coloring. Note the crispness of the lines, achieved through careful cuts into the printing plate. The color would have been applied by hand, one card at a time, likely by women working in workshops. This division of labor reflects the early stages of industrialization, where craft skills were adapted to increase production. The image itself depicts a highly romanticized view of Egypt, complete with pyramids and figures in vaguely "Egyptian" garb. It's a far cry from the reality of life there, but reflects European fascination with exotic locales. Ultimately, this humble playing card reveals a complex web of labor, trade, and cultural exchange. It’s a reminder that even the most unassuming objects can tell us a great deal about the world in which they were made.