Venetian Tarot
Scenes from the history of Venice on a set of the major arcana.
n extraordinary amount of detail is captured and encapsulated in these stunning cards which illustrate the long and colourful history of Venice. The full extent of the space available on each card has been used by the artist. An episode from Venetian history corresponding to one of the traditional Tarot card titles has been chosen for each of the 22 Tarot trumps (or major arcana). The titles are in Italian and the cards have square corners. Matt finish. The set was issued without a box or instructions.
The tarot is believed to have originated in Italy during the 15th century. The Italian city-states, including Venice, were influential centres of art, culture, and trade during this period.
Above: Venetian Tarot created and illustrated by Pietro Ricca, Venice, Italy, 1980. 22 cards + title card. Size: 65 x 127 mm.
By Roddy Somerville
Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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