Divinissimi Assi
Collectible playing cards inspired by the Francesco Morosini Naval Academy in Venice. A fascinating journey into Italian naval history
We're excited to announce that a crowdfunding campaign to bring our unique playing card deck to life is just around the corner!
In the unique culture of the Francesco Morosini Naval Academy, third-year cadets are playfully called "Divinissimi Anzianissimi" (Supremely Divine Elders). As a tribute to this tradition, we've named our playing card deck "Divinissimi Assi" (Supremely Divine Aces), a playful twist on the original term."
A journey through time and space, from the classrooms of the Francesco Morosini Naval Academy in Venice to the present day. This deck of cards, born from the sharing of experiences and memories, celebrates our history and the deep bond that unites the different generations of sailors. I hope that each game is a dive into the past and a way to strengthen the sense of belonging to the great family of the Italian Navy.
Ardo Quaranta
Excalibur 1990-1993
Excalibur 1990-1993
We're excited to announce that a crowdfunding campaign to bring our unique playing card deck to life is just around the corner!
Design elements:
Suits and Colors:
We've taken the familiar suits of Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts, and Spades, rooted in the ancient symbols of Batons, Coins, Swords, and Cups, and given them a nautical twist. The iconic red has been replaced with a soothing aquamarine."
We've taken the familiar suits of Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts, and Spades, rooted in the ancient symbols of Batons, Coins, Swords, and Cups, and given them a nautical twist. The iconic red has been replaced with a soothing aquamarine."
Card Back Design:
Card Back Design...The back of the cards will come in two colorways: blue/yellow and red/yellow. The top circle features a custom emblem with the Italian flag and an anchor. The bottom circle showcases the winged Lion of Saint Mark, the Naval Academy's mascot, affectionately known as "Camillo". The card's border is inspired by the intricate embroidery of the Doge's Palace loggia, a nod to the beautiful city of Venice. Due to copyright restrictions, we couldn't include both the Naval Academy and Navy emblems.
Card Back Design...The back of the cards will come in two colorways: blue/yellow and red/yellow. The top circle features a custom emblem with the Italian flag and an anchor. The bottom circle showcases the winged Lion of Saint Mark, the Naval Academy's mascot, affectionately known as "Camillo". The card's border is inspired by the intricate embroidery of the Doge's Palace loggia, a nod to the beautiful city of Venice. Due to copyright restrictions, we couldn't include both the Naval Academy and Navy emblems.
Card Symbols and Ranks
Above the suit, a symbol indicates the historical period depicted:
An anchor for the Naval College era (1961-1999);
A star for the Naval Academy era (2000-present).
A star for the Naval Academy era (2000-present).
The cards feature stylized representations of the various uniforms worn at the Naval Academy over the years.
A single horizontal chevron indicates first-year cadets, known as "Pivoli", who rank as Jacks.
Two chevrons represent second-year cadets, also known as "Divini Anziani" (Divine Elders), who rank as Queens. Female cadets joined the Academy in 2000.
Three chevrons signify third-year cadets, the "Divinissimi Anzianissimi" (Supremely Divine Elders), after whom the deck is named: "Divinissimi Assi" (Supremely Divine Aces).
A single horizontal chevron indicates first-year cadets, known as "Pivoli", who rank as Jacks.
Two chevrons represent second-year cadets, also known as "Divini Anziani" (Divine Elders), who rank as Queens. Female cadets joined the Academy in 2000.
Three chevrons signify third-year cadets, the "Divinissimi Anzianissimi" (Supremely Divine Elders), after whom the deck is named: "Divinissimi Assi" (Supremely Divine Aces).
Tuck
The box will be constructed from cardboard matching the two color schemes of the card decks.
The box will be constructed from cardboard matching the two color schemes of the card decks.
Printing
We're excited to create a top-notch deck of cards! Have you ever wondered what goes into making a deck? Well, most cards are made up of three layers of paper. The middle layer is usually blue or black to keep you from seeing the back through the front.
We're excited to create a top-notch deck of cards! Have you ever wondered what goes into making a deck? Well, most cards are made up of three layers of paper. The middle layer is usually blue or black to keep you from seeing the back through the front.
The tales told by the cards...
Picche... in riga!
Spades in formation!
Spades in formation!
Ace of spades
The Spade suit represents the trials and tribulations encountered by naval cadets. Each year is marked by unique customs.
Along with the small sword, introduced when the academy was established, a stylized lion adorned in the colors of the Venetian Moor can be found.
Along with the small sword, introduced when the academy was established, a stylized lion adorned in the colors of the Venetian Moor can be found.
Jack of Spades
The "Pivolo", represented by the Jack of Spades, is shown enduring a classic punishment: running laps with your fists pressed against your chest. It was a pretty common sight at the Naval Academy. This tradition started in the late 80s and is still going strong.
Queen of Spades
The second-year cadet, or the Queen of Spades as we call her, is shown giving a classic welcome to the new guys. She's "spivoling" the newbie, which is basically a friendly way of reminding them of how much better life was before joining the academy and having to deal with us seniors!
King of Spades
The third-year, or "Most Senior", is the undisputed King of this crazy little world.
No need for him to pull any dirty tricks, he's already at the top.
If he does mess with the first-years, it's all done with style, using clever schemes that show off his experience, not his brute force. Here he is in the classic winter uniform, knowing every inch of the Academy. He's got eyes in the back of his head, keeping the second-years in line and ruling the roost when needed.
No need for him to pull any dirty tricks, he's already at the top.
If he does mess with the first-years, it's all done with style, using clever schemes that show off his experience, not his brute force. Here he is in the classic winter uniform, knowing every inch of the Academy. He's got eyes in the back of his head, keeping the second-years in line and ruling the roost when needed.
Cuori... in Franchigia!
Hearts... on liberty!
Hearts... on liberty!
Ace of Hearts
The Hearts suit represents that sweet taste of freedom called "Franchigia", or liberty.
After months of study and maybe a few too many punishments, cadets can't wait to get their hands on this prized privilege.
After months of study and maybe a few too many punishments, cadets can't wait to get their hands on this prized privilege.
Jack of Hearts
The first liberty, or shore leave, is a pivotal moment for the "Pivolo," or Jack of Hearts. This card depicts Naval College cadets in various uniforms throughout the years. Early cadets from the 1960s and 1970s are shown wearing the blue "pizza" hat and a house sweater. Later cadets, from the late 1980s onwards, are depicted in the white service uniform.
Queen of Hearts
With the transition from the Naval College to the Naval Academy, girls joined, the cap badge changed, and a sword was added to the equipment.
After the feast of Saint Barbara on December 4th, first-year cadets could wear the winter uniform with the cape, just like the "Seniors" and "Most Seniors".
Yes, there's even a hierarchy in how to wear it: first-year cadets must wear it hanging straight down, second-year cadets can turn up one corner, and third-year cadets can turn up both corners.
Of course, these rules only apply to cadets: officers insist that cadets always wear their capes hanging straight down.
After the feast of Saint Barbara on December 4th, first-year cadets could wear the winter uniform with the cape, just like the "Seniors" and "Most Seniors".
Yes, there's even a hierarchy in how to wear it: first-year cadets must wear it hanging straight down, second-year cadets can turn up one corner, and third-year cadets can turn up both corners.
Of course, these rules only apply to cadets: officers insist that cadets always wear their capes hanging straight down.
King of Hearts
The inaugural uniform of 1961 featured a seasonal color scheme: a blue peak cap for winter and a white one for summer, both adorned with an anchor.
Over time, the white peak cap became the year-round standard. Today, the naval insignia has supplanted the anchor on the peak cap badge, and cadets now carry swords.
Over time, the white peak cap became the year-round standard. Today, the naval insignia has supplanted the anchor on the peak cap badge, and cadets now carry swords.
On April 25th, Italy commemorates Liberation Day, while Venice celebrates its patron saint, Saint Mark, and traditionally presents loved ones with a 'boccolo', a delicate rosebud."
Fiori... Di sgamata!
Clubs... Sneaky tricks!
Clubs... Sneaky tricks!
Ace of clubs
The Clubs suit is dedicated to "Sgamate". That art that every student learns to refine over time, to evade surveillance and treat themselves to moments of harmless normality.
To sneak off for a nap, hide a jar of pickled sausages or a caciocavallo cheese, take a boat and go to the beach at night...
To sneak off for a nap, hide a jar of pickled sausages or a caciocavallo cheese, take a boat and go to the beach at night...
Jack of Clubs
Pivolo, a rookie, can easily get away with his first "sgamata": faking a sick day. A couple of days in the infirmary, skipping exams, sounds pretty good, right?
But don't overdo it with the thermometer, or you might end up with a shot.
But don't overdo it with the thermometer, or you might end up with a shot.
Queen of Clubs
Gazing up at the starry sky from the peak of the Great Hall's dome is a privilege granted only to the Seniors and Ancients. Of course, they have to be careful not to be discovered.
I used that peaceful spot to study for my final exams, and I'm sure many other students have experienced similar moments of both joy and anxiety under that celestial canopy.
King of Clubs
No matter what people say, the queen of all "sgamate" remains the same over the years: "the Oscar"! This means a literal escape from the Naval Academy, by climbing over walls, stealing boats, swimming... any method is allowed.
There's only one rule: don't get caught. It's curious how the letter "O - Oscar" in the visual code of signal flags, a black dot on a yellow field, means "man overboard".
Diamonds... in deep water
Ace of Diamonds
The Diamond suit symbolizes the students' summer, a time when they forge an inseparable bond with the sea. After school ends, before heading home, they embark on a summer training voyage aboard a training ship. While some view this as a delay to their summer break, others eagerly anticipate the adventure that awaits them on the open sea.
Jack of Diamonds
If he's fortunate, a rookie's first voyage will be aboard a sailing ship. Raising the sails of the Amerigo Vespucci, the lady of the seas, dozing off on the teak deck after a long watch, or singing together on the forecastle... Could there be a more magical experience at 16?
Queen of Diamonds
The second voyage was aboard a "gray" ship, a military vessel. The romantic allure of sails, sunsets, and starry skies was replaced by the raw power of a steel ship.
Days were filled with shifts in the engine room, poring over charts, or keeping watch with binoculars.
Midnight pizzas fueled the night shifts, and bunks swayed to the sea's rhythm.
Days were filled with shifts in the engine room, poring over charts, or keeping watch with binoculars.
Midnight pizzas fueled the night shifts, and bunks swayed to the sea's rhythm.
King of Diamonds
The "Anzianissimo", a third-year student, won't be setting sail any longer. Instead, he's about to embark on a different kind of voyage: the final exams. As he prepares to leave the Naval Academy, a sense of melancholy washes over him, and memories begin to blur together. The days of endless cups of coffee and wandering through the fields will soon be behind him. What subjects will fate decide?
Joker - La Nave Scuola
Joker - The training Ship
Joker - The training Ship
This card was originally meant to be dedicated to the Amerigo Vespucci, the Italian Navy's training ship, but it was modified to avoid copyright infringement.
Generations of naval cadets have experienced the thrill of life aboard this iconic vessel. From hoisting the sails to polishing the brass, their days were filled with adventure. Launched in 1931, the Vespucci has sailed the world, captivating hearts with her timeless beauty. In a remarkable feat, she rounded Cape Horn in 2024, proving once more that she is truly the "most beautiful ship in the world."
Joker - DOGE FRANCESCO Morosini
Originally conceived as a tribute to the Italian Navy's newest patrol vessel, launched in 2020, this card had to take a different turn. Unfortunately, we couldn't secure the rights to use the Navy's imagery.
So, meet our version: Doge Francesco Morosini! Dressed in his historic combat attire from the Correr Museum, he commands a galley, the Venetian banner proudly flying behind him.
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338 857 0533 - Ardo Quaranta
338 857 0533 - Ardo Quaranta