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Document 11

In 1454 three entries appear, which indicate, that a serial production of Trionfi cards had started for a short time. The rate of produced decks stayed humble, as far we can perceive it out of the few documents, and the experiment endured only few monthes. The development, which seems to indicate the height of Ferrarese Trionfi interests, runs parallel to the peace of Lodi. This entry relates to material, which is needed for the production.

1454 [3 August - payment to Obizo the Saracen for gold and silver leaf for trionfi and playing cards]

Obizo spiciale al Saraxino in Ferara de avere adi III de agosto lire tre, soldi quatro de marchesani per lo precio de infrascrite robe per dito date a dum Messore per dipinzere carte da trinoffi et da zugare per la guardaroba de lo Signore:
  • Per peze zento de oro fino batudo…………………….. …………L. 2.10.
  • Per peze zento de arzento batudo fino ……………………………L. 0. 8.
  • Per onze una de verde azuro ………………………………………L. 0. 6.
  • Dato per mandato no. _____………………………………………L. III. IIII.
[Franceschini 1993 n. 728s (p. 414) ; Ortalli, 1996a: 163-169 (an essay on the workshop run by Don Messore, begun in 1454); Ortalli 1996a:188]

Preliminary translation
(by Ross Gregory Caldwell)

Obizo called the Saracen, in Ferrara, having the 3rd day of August three lire, four soldi marchesane for bringing the goods written below for said items to Don Messore for painting triumph cards and playing cards for the guardaroba of the Lord:
  • For twenty sheets of fine beaten gold ………………….. L. 2. 10.
  • For twenty sheets of fine beaten silver ………………….L. 0. 8.
  • For one ounce of green-azure ……………………………L. 0. 6.
  • Items by mandate no. _____ …………………………….L. III. IIII.