Hab.ts de l'Isle des Amis from playing cards "Jeu d'Or" 18th century

This playing card, "Habits de l'Isle des Amis," or "Inhabitants of the Isle of Friends," comes from an anonymous "Jeu d'Or" deck. It was likely made in France, during the late 18th century, a time when the French monarchy sought to extend its global power. The card depicts an imagined scene of life in the Pacific Islands. Note the figures’ dress and adornment, which blend European and indigenous signifiers. The image creates meaning through visual codes and cultural references of the period. This was an era of exploration and colonization, and the “Isle of Friends” likely refers to Tonga, which James Cook had named the Friendly Islands a few years earlier. Cards such as these catered to the French public's fascination with exotic cultures. They also served a political function, promoting a vision of French dominance and influence. Art historians can draw on travel accounts, colonial records, and museum collections to better understand the complex relationship between Europe and the Pacific during this period. In the end, works like this are an insight into the social conditions that shape artistic production.