The Numeral Playing Cards of the Master of Playing Cards

A sheet of seven pen-and-ink sketches of deer, rendered with fine lines and cross-hatching for depth and musculature.

• At the top left, a large stag with intricate, many-tined antlers is shown with its head lowered to the ground.
• In the top center, a young doe stands in profile, facing right.
• To the top right, a stag stands alert with its head turned slightly toward the viewer.
• The middle tier consists of two does resting on the ground; the one on the left has its head turned back toward its flank, while the one on the right looks toward the right edge of the page.
• At the bottom left, a stag with wide, palmate antlers (possibly a fallow deer) stands facing a doe.
• At the bottom right, a stag is depicted with its head tucked down low between its forelegs.

The drawings are masterfully executed, capturing the naturalistic forms and varied poses of the animals. A small red circular stamp appears at the bottom center of the page.

B.R