Les Cris de Paris

Les Cris de Paris – A Vintage Journey through 19th-Century Parisian Streets

Step back in time to the bustling cobblestone streets of 1830s France with Les Cris de Paris. This exquisite deck is a 1969 facsimile reissue by the legendary house of Grimaud, meticulously recreating a 19th-century masterpiece. Each card serves as a miniature window into the past, capturing the vibrant energy, fashion, and daily hustle of Parisian street life. This specific copy is a rare find for collectors, preserved in near-mint condition with the cards still nestled in their original factory wrapping.

About this Deck

Les Cris de Paris (The Cries of Paris) is more than just a deck of cards; it is an artistic archive. The visual style is rooted in the tradition of 19th-century lithography, featuring hand-colored scenes of street vendors, artisans, and colorful characters that once defined the French capital. The "vibe" is one of historical elegance and nostalgic charm. Whether you are a historian, a lover of French culture, or a playing card collector, the evocative illustrations and the quality of the 1969 Grimaud printing make this a standout addition to any library.

Symbolism and Themes

The theme of this deck revolves around the "Cris"—the melodic and rhythmic calls that vendors used to advertise their goods and services before the age of modern advertising. From the flower girl to the knife sharpener, each figure represents a piece of the social fabric of old Paris. While it follows the standard 54-card French playing system (52 cards plus 2 jokers), the court cards and pips are integrated into scenes that tell a story of commerce, survival, and community in the post-Napoleonic era.

The Creators

B.P. Grimaud
Founded in 1848 by Baptiste-Paul Grimaud, this house is perhaps the most famous name in French card making. Grimaud revolutionized the industry with rounded corners and high-quality metallic inks. This 1969 edition showcases their dedication to preserving French heritage through high-fidelity facsimiles of their most important historical archives.

Practical Use

While these cards are fully functional for traditional games like Bridge, Poker, or Whist, they are primarily sought after as a collector's item or as a tool for creative inspiration. The vivid imagery also makes them suitable for "cartomancy" style readings where the intuition is sparked by the social interactions depicted on the cards.

To preserve the vintage value of this deck, handle the cards by the edges to avoid transferring oils to the 1969 cardstock, or keep them in their original wrapping to maintain their "near-mint" investment status.

Features

• Number of cards: 54 cards (52 + 2 jokers)
• Language: French
• ISBN: Not applicable (Vintage Collector's Item)
• Publisher: B.P. Grimaud
• Weight: 145 grams
• Dimensions: 63 x 88 mm
• Condition: Vintage 1969, cards in original wrap, box intact

Expert FAQ

What is the historical significance of the "Cris de Paris"?
The "Cries of Paris" was a popular artistic theme in the 18th and 19th centuries. Artists captured the specific vendors—like those selling milk, coal, or old clothes—to document the vanishing oral traditions and street trades of the city.

Is this deck suitable for Tarot readings?
This is a standard 54-card playing deck, not a 78-card Tarot deck. However, many practitioners of French cartomancy use decks like this for readings, focusing on the historical symbolism and the four suits (Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, Spades).

How rare is this 1969 edition?
While Grimaud produced several facsimiles in the late 60s, finding a copy where the box is undamaged and the cards are still in their original internal wrapping is exceptionally rare. This is a "deadstock" quality item for serious collectors.