The Artist Osvaldo Menegazzi Revisited in 2004

* Special Notice * For all you collectors out there - due to popular demand Tarot artist, Osvaldo Menegazzi's daughter, Cristina has agreed to act as contact for those wanting to order Tarot works directly from Osvaldo. So Michael and I have created a website showcasing Osvaldo's wonderful art and published decks.

If you happen to have read my last homage to Tarot in Milan where I focus mainly on the magnificent Visconti castle of renown Tarot history and the great Tarot artist and publisher Osvaldo Menegazzi, I have some interesting news to report worthy of another look. In the first article much more of Osvaldo's exceptional art is showcased, but here you'll see a glimpse of a new line of handcrafted shadow boxes, and Tarot containers, as well as a step-by-step look at his Tarot box constructing methods. But first, a bit of background material on this unique artist.

Osvaldo Menegazzi
I was surprised to learn that Osvaldo has had no formal art training. A teenager during WWII, he had not the opportunity to attend university. It’s quite remarkable and even encouraging to learn his great skill and vast knowledge of art history is self-taught. Not surprisingly Osvaldo has been doing art since he was a young boy with a flair and gusto that has never ceased. His father was an Olympic athlete and local hero. It is evident in spending even a few days with Osvaldo, and watching him interact with his neighbors, local shopkeepers and restaurateurs that his is a close-knit community where he is appreciated and that he in return gives thanks; hiring neighboring craftsman, and donating his art and antiques to local restaurants such as The Cave. The food, there by the way is as wonderful as you might imagine, and the downstairs dining rooms showcase Osvaldo’s artwork with great pride for this living treasure.



Like old friends, Michael and I were greeted with warm hugs and affection – such is the natural charm of this passionate artist. This visit we presented Osvaldo with a http://www.arnellart.com/t-shop-o.htm handcrafted replica of his Tarot shop . He seemed delighted and was most generous with his time and gifts. (This miniature Tarot shop can be seen from the window amongst Osvaldo’s colorful artworks.) Anticipating our visit Osvaldo invited his daughter Cristina to translate.
What’s New at the Tarocchi Shop
Since our last visit in 2001, Osvaldo has been creating a fresh line of Tarot containers, handmade in an antique style, each with, (in most cases one but sometimes more) classic Tarot archetypes, attached in a 3 dimensional manner. These boxes are hand constructed from thick cardboard layers, which are then collaged. Tarot imagery is also attached to cardboard separately before being collaged onto the piece for added effect. They are all gorgeous and it was difficult to choose which would go home with me. They come in different sizes and can be purchased either with a matching Special Edition Visconti deck or solo (to house one of your own lucky decks perhaps?) Prices are reasonable considering the uniqueness of the presentation and the time that goes into making them. I include a pictorial demonstration of Osvaldo assembling one such box while we looked on.



Another new series is Osvaldo’s Visconti shadow boxes, which present many of the familiar archetypes, collaged onto wooden shapes, intuitively placed in aesthetic, 3D styles. Many are available and all are unique and lovely and would be a treasure for any Tarot collector. I’m not sure of the cost since Osvaldo gave me the pick of the shop to choose from and I was too bashful to ask after such generosity, but I imagine they are again reasonable considering the work put into them. Osvaldo also gave us a sneak peak at a new deck of his that focuses on wives and relations of that bizarre King, Henry the VIII. And of course all the wonderful decks you associate with his publication, many numbered editions with his signature wax seal and unique packaging.


A visual candy store for any Tarot enthusiast, I can’t recommend enough this stop on any tour you might make to Northern Italy. And while you’re here you might have a lovely lunch at the Cave around the corner and also visit the nearby Castle, rich with Tarot (Visconti) history, which are all in walking distance to Milan's Central Station.

I should probably mention that the switch to Euro dollars has obviously affected the economy in Italy harshly. Prices of virtually everything are dramatically higher, including hotels and dining. People there tell me it’s hard to survive when they’re still receiving the same wages but the cost of living has increased to keep pace with the rest of Europe. Prices have doubled and often tripled from what we paid only 3 years ago and we felt a general sense of despair and frustration. I imagine it may even out a bit in time. That said the Italians remain a beautiful, generous and warm people with whom to visit with and many can speak English although attempts at speaking Italian are welcome. As always we had a most enchanting time and dream of returning.

Note The Tarot art shop of Osvaldo Menegazzi is called Il Meneghello Tarocchi (click here to see a small map) It can be found at Via Fara 15, Milan Italy, 20124. Phone (02)6703185 Fax number (02) 66987568. The Castle, known as 'Castello Sforzesco' is just a couple miles South/West of Osvaldo's shop (things change, but in Spring of 2004 the Green Tram # 4 went from Central Station to the castle. Or it's a nice leisurely stroll. Tickets for buses & trams can be purchased at many newspaper kiosks, tobacco shop/bars and the tourist info stand at the station as well as hotels. It's easy and inexpensive to get around a big, friendly city like Milan).

Arnell Ando is the artist and author of Hero's Journey (1994), Lucky Pack Tarot (2006) and Transformational Tarot (self-published in 1996 and published by US. Games in 2006). She also illustrated the Storyteller Tarot written by Diane Wilkes. She is a Certified Tarot Grand Master who has given workshops all over the country on creating your own tarot. She has a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and is a certified Expressive Arts Therapist.