Playing Card

German 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of various decorative motifs and possibly early playing card designs. The drawing features panels filled with different ornamental patterns, including stylized plant forms that resemble floral or tree shapes. Some sections have symmetrical arrangements that look like simplified botanical illustrations, while one panel features a reclining figure depicted in a naive style. The paper appears old and there is tearing around the edges. The line work is relatively simple, with thin, dark lines that contrast with the beige background of the paper.