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.