Hab.ts de la Zelande, from the playing cards (for quartets) "Costumes des Peuples Étrangers" 18th century

This 18th-century playing card from the set "Costumes des Peuples Étrangers" depicts three figures representing inhabitants of the "Habits de la Zelande," likely referring to New Zealand. The card features a woman holding a child, a man holding a spear, and a spade suit symbol, all of which are rendered in colorful, hand-painted detail. The card's design exemplifies the popular 18th-century interest in depicting different cultures and serves as a reminder of the historical fascination with exploring and representing the unknown. The card’s small size and intricate design are characteristic of playing cards of the time, and its use in a game for quartets suggests its intended audience was primarily an educated, upper-class audience.