Now Available! Bicycle Baroque Playing Cards

Bicycle Baroque Playing Cards are a lavish tribute to an era when opulence was not optional... it was expected. Drawing inspiration from the Baroque period (1600–1750), this limited edition deck by Mark Stutzman channels the grandeur, drama, and ornamental excess commissioned by Europe’s most powerful monarchies. 

At the heart of the deck is a richly reimagined take on Bicycle’s classic Maiden Back. While the original is known for elegance and symmetry, the Baroque edition amplifies it with 17th-century flair. The back design is densely layered with floral motifs, mythical creatures, and angelic figures arranged in perfect symmetry. Metallic gold accents, lace-like borders, and an interior rope frame evoke the look of sculpted plaster ceilings and cathedral reliefs, giving the cards depth and a distinctly old-world presence.

The court cards are where the Baroque theme truly comes alive. Illustrated with ink and watercolor washes, they are fully custom and designed for two-way play. Rather than sticking to the standard four solid color palette, the courts embrace a broader, painterly range inspired by period art. 

Each suit represents a different European monarchy: England (including Scotland and Ireland), France, Denmark, and Spain... reflecting the power struggles, alliances, and rivalries that defined the era. Every court card is captioned, grounding the artwork in real historical figures and inviting deeper exploration of the symbolism behind each character.

The number cards depart from modern conventions in favor of a more archaic aesthetic. Roman numerals replace standard indices, and the elongated, rustic suit symbols are arranged in clusters that feel antique yet readable. This design choice reinforces the deck’s historical tone while maintaining functionality for gameplay.

The Ace of Spades features two mirrored knights locked in a tense sword clash beneath a crown, an image that perfectly captures the uncertainty of power and allegiance during the Baroque age. The “813-ISH” mark pays homage to Bicycle’s original Maiden Back (No. 813), nodding to tradition while embracing reinterpretation. 

The two Jokers are framed to match the courts and presented in a two-way design, one embodying joy, the other sorrow... mirroring the emotional extremes so often depicted in Baroque art.

The tuck box is a statement piece in its own right. Printed by the USPCC on uncoated stock and flooded with warm gold-toned ink, it’s accented with cream and powdery aqua hues. Select decorative elements are stamped in gold foil and subtly embossed, while an additional bronze foil highlights intricate line work. Inside the box, a repeating fleur-de-lis pattern in metallic gold awaits.

Available now on Mark Stutzman's online store for $14.99.