I recently learned that Vieux Monde (specialist in Tarot) produced a facsimile of these playing cards that Grimaud produced for the 1900 Exposition Universelle. The art nouveau design by Gaston Quenioux is outrageous – gorgeous stuff. Just look at the advert. Incredible, no notes. This said, they’re best looked at rather than played with. The cards are, ah, “no-index” – you need to count the pips or look for a crown to determine K,Q,J. It’s all form over function, which is just so art nouveau. The cardstock finish is linen-ish, but no USPCC.
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