Playing Card with Nine Parrots

Meester PW van Keulen, c. 1499 - c. 1510

This rare print belongs to a set of 72 playing cards. The artist clearly delights in portraying nine ring-necked parrots in different poses. This is quite remarkable, for they were not native to Northern Europe. Imported from India, these birds were not only beautiful but also valuable. Until the late Middle Ages they were therefore mainly kept in secular and ecclesiastical courts.

  • Artwork typeprint
  • Object numberRP-P-2018-1524-1
  • Dimensionsheight 70 mm x width 70 mm
  • Physical characteristicsgravure