Only three decks of European hand-painted playing cards are known to have survived from the late Middle Ages. These include the Cloisters Playing Cards, which form the core of a small exhibition highlighting one of the more intriguing works of secular art. Examples of cards from the earliest hand-painted woodblock deck as well as 15th century German engraved cards, north Italian tarot cards of the same period, and the finest deck from the early 16th century complete the display. Collectively, the figures and scenes depicted reflect shifting worldviews during a period of change, as Europe emerged into modernity. The Cloisters, 99 Margaret Corbin Dr. at Ft. Tryon Pl. Jan. 20-Apr. 17, daily, 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Admission is $25; $17 for seniors; $12 for students. Information at metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2016/world-in-play.
