Knight of Batons 1751

Claude Burdel made this Knight of Batons card in Switzerland in the 18th century, likely using woodblock printing and stencils. It’s made from paper, an everyday material, but transformed here into a vehicle for both art and commerce. The card’s appearance is defined by the printing process. Look closely and you'll see the slightly misaligned colors, a result of layering stencils, and the bold outlines from the woodblock. The texture of the paper, though simple, carries the ink in a way that gives depth to the image. The creation of playing cards at this time was a labor-intensive but efficient means of production. The woodblock printing allowed for multiple copies to be made relatively quickly, yet each card would have been hand-finished, a blend of mechanized production and artisanal skill. The demand for playing cards speaks to wider social issues of leisure and consumption. This card is more than just a game piece; it’s a reminder that art exists in many forms, often intertwined with the everyday practices of work and play.