French Revolution Playing Cards (1988 Grimaud) – Silvia Maddonni Artwork

Step back into the storm and color of 1789 with this rare Jeu de la Révolution published by France Cartes (Grimaud) in 1988, created by artist Silvia Maddonni with the collaboration of Gilles Moinot.

The deck presents vivid, humorous, yet historically informed portraits of key figures of the Revolution — Louis XVI, Olympe de Gouges, Danton, Robespierre, Charlotte Corday, and many more.
Each court card includes a famous quotation associated with the character, while the Aces and Jokers depict iconic revolutionary archetypes such as sans-culottes, tricoteuses, and muscadins.

The artwork captures the movement, drama, and spirit of revolutionary France through Maddonni’s lively style, blending historical detail with playful illustration.

🔹 Publisher: France Cartes / Grimaud
🔹 Year: 1988 — Out of Print
🔹 Artist: Silvia Maddonni
🔹 Contents: Complete 52-card deck + 2 Jokers + introductory card + bilingual leaflet (FR/EN)
🔹 Card size: approx. 6.3 × 8.7 cm
🔹 Leaflet: Full descriptions of characters in French & English
🔹 Condition:
• Cards: Very Good (clean, bright, minimal wear)
• Box: Worn from storage, as shown in photos

🪶 Collector’s Note

This 1988 France Cartes edition has become increasingly hard to find, especially complete with its original bilingual leaflet.
Released for the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution, it was printed only once and never reissued.
Silvia Maddonni’s artwork has since gained a small cult following for its expressive, theatrical portrayal of Revolution-era characters.