Kunst-Comptoir Lenormand
Literatur und Kunst-Comptoir deck, first edition Berlin, 1854 or earlier.
While Lenormand cards are named for Marie Anne LeNormand, a famous fortune teller and author in 19th century France, they appeared after her death and have little to do with her. Instead, Lenormand cards are part of a rich history of fortune telling decks that originated in Germany and quickly spread to France and the United States.
The Kunst-Comptoir deck’s beautiful illustrations were the standard for Lenormand decks for many years, well into the 20th century.
Evening World’s Home Magazine Philippe sheet
The Evening World’s Home Magazine (New York) reproduced the original “Philippe” (heirs of Mlle. Lenormand) Instruction Sheet in their October 19, 1903 issue. Included are the standard Kunst-Comptoir 1854 images that one is encouraged to cut out to make one’s own deck.
