Deck of anti-religious playing cards. [Soviet Union, ca. 1930].
A deck of playing cards printed in the Soviet Union as part of the propaganda promoting atheism. The prince, queen and king cards in this deck represent four different religions - Judaism, Catholic Christianity, Orthodox (Pravoslav) Christianity and Buddhism. The illustrations on these cards were meant to show the "hypocrisy" of the four religions and they depict religious figures, on background of images that represent their thoughts or real occupations (for example, on the king of diamond appears an illustration of a praying Jew, and in the background appear money bills and coins). The illustrations on the Aces in this deck present churches and a synagogue vis-à-vis modern buildings in the Soviet Union, and other images related to religion and atheism. On the Joker card appears an illustration of a winged capitalist, wearing a top hat, pulling the strings which lead to four marionettes representing the four religions.
The illustrations were created by S. D. Levashov (С. Д. Левашов). The cards were printed in several versions during the 1930s and were meant for distribution outside the Soviet Union.
53 cards, approx. 6X9 cm. Good-fair condition. Stains. Some cards are rubbed and torn. Some cards are in poor condition.