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Zodiac Bridge was designed by Austrian painter, sculptor and graphic artist René Marcel Rivière (b.1950- ) and printed by AGM Müller in c.1989. The figures are dramatic, intense and surreal with depth of detail: a sort of ‘fantastic realism’. A different sign of the zodiac appears on the clothing of each court card, reflecting the artist's interest in metaphysical themes and human destiny. René Marcel Rivière also designed an erotic tarot deck and has exhibited his paintings in Austria, the US and Germany.

Above: Zodiac Bridge designed by René Marcel Rivière and printed by AGM Müller in c.1989. Red or blue backs featuring signs of the zodiac round a central orb. 57x89mm; 52 cards + 3 Jokers. The original edition was also produced with gilt edges.

René Marcel Rivière studied at the Vienna Academy of Applied Arts. He brings myths and other religious experiences of life and death into his work, which deals with the subject of the Tarot, Astrology (Zodiac), and alchemy.

Note from Roddy Somerville

Slightly later, there was a second edition in which the large suit-signs on the court cards were replaced by much smaller ones in line with those on the numeral cards. Indices in English (K, Q, J) were also added, making the cards easier to use. The packs were produced in pale pink or pale blue boxes rather than the deep pink and dark blue boxes of the first edition. All the other cards, including the Joker(s) and the back design, remained the same. The second edition is much more commonly seen than the first - RS.  See the boxes►