Inspired by the Metamorphosis of Orazio, and by Greek and Roman mythology, this deck was commissioned by Cardinal Mazarino and designed by Sefano della Bella in 1644. It was used to instruct and entertain the young prince who would become King Louis XIV. The deck, which is “wrapped” in a folded cardboard strip and slid into a sleeve, includes 52 monochrome cards along with a small bifold pamphlet in Italian. Each card measures 6.1 cm x 9.9 cm. Part of a limited edition by now-defunct Italian card manufacturer Del Solleone.

Devised by the French crown prince (the Delfin) and engraved by Stefano della Bella in 1644, these cards illustrate the history of famous French kings. The deck, which is “wrapped” in a folded cardboard strip and slid into a sleeve, includes 52 monochrome cards along with a small bifold pamphlet in Italian. Each card measures 6.1 cm x 9.5 cm. Part of a limited edition of 600 decks by now-defunct Italian card manufacturer Del Solleone.