Ace of Swords 1751

This hand-colored etching from 1751 by Claude Burdel depicts the Ace of Swords from a standard deck of playing cards. The ace is shown as a sword held upright by a gloved hand. The sword is adorned with a crown and surrounded by lush foliage, creating a visual tension between power and nature. Burdel’s card design, with its detailed embellishments and delicate linework, is a testament to the artistic mastery of the 18th century.