Queen (Stutira from Persia), from "Court Game of Geography"

Art Historical Context

Step into the whimsical world of 19th-century educational games with *Queen (Stutira from Persia)*, a delightful playing card from the *Court Game of Geography*, crafted by British engravers William and Henry Rock between1838 and 1855. This petite print, measuring just 3 3/4 × 2 1/2 inches, captures the exotic allure of Persian royalty, featuring Queen Stutira as a regal figure in the game's courtly hierarchy. Produced during the height of Victorian fascination with global exploration and history, such games blended entertainment with learning, assigning kings, queens, and knaves to represent nations and their storied pasts. The artwork's medium—engraving and etching with vibrant hand-coloring in watercolor—highlights the meticulous craftsmanship of the era. Engraving allowed for intricate details in costume and ornament, while etching added fluid lines, and the hand-applied colors brought the queen's opulent attire to life, transforming a simple card into a miniature work of art. Classified under Prints and Ornament & Architecture at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, it reflects the ornamental style of ephemera that popularized global cultures in everyday British homes. Today, this gift from the Estate of James Hazen Hyde (1959) offers a window into how 19th-century audiences encountered the "Orient" through playful, accessible prints, blending pedagogy with picturesque Orientalism. A charming testament to gaming as cultural exchange!

About the Artist

William and Henry Rock · 1821–1884

William and Henry Rock were British brothers and publishers active in London during the mid-19th century, renowned for their innovative educational playing card games that blended art, geography, and entertainment. Operating from 11 Walbrook after 1838, they produced hand-colored engravings that transformed standard card decks into pedagogical tools, with suits representing the four quarters of th...