Cards made by Piatnik c.1923, celebrating 13th century Italy. These cards are commonly known as the “Dante and Beatrice” cards, because the backs of the cards in some of the decks feature a portrait of Dante or that of Beatrice, Dante’s muse. The backs of the cards in the deck here listed have the portrait of Dante, a portrait that appears to have been taken from a famous portrait of Dante attributed to Giotto in the chapel of the Bargello Palace in Florence. The deck features scenic Aces of historical locations in Italy and court cards with a look appropriate to the late middle ages. The deck has 52 suited cards, plus 1 Joker, plus 1 card announcing the deck. The cards are large and wide, measuring 95mm x 65mm, with gold gilt around. Reference: Fournier, Playing Cards, Italy 115