The Gospel deck is my first art deck featuring designs inspired by the Book of Kells*. The 12 face cards represent the 12 Disciples, and the pip cards and aces show select verses from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The cards are printed by the US Playing Card company with the same quality as Bicycle playing cards but with a look of old parchment paper as if the cards were centuries old.

​

*The Book of Kells is a hand illustrated collection of the first four books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, also known as the Gospel. Created by Scottish monks circa 800 AD, it is known for its intricate and detailed Celtic knot work designs.

​

The Story:

Years ago I was inspired to design a deck of cards with the disciples as face cards and New Testament verses on the pip cards. During my research I learned about the Book of Kells and instantly knew that was the art style I wanted to use.

The Celtic knots and swirls historically represent infinity, and the lions, peacocks and snakes used in the knots are symbolic of the resurrection.