(Translation: Image of the World)
22 Major Arcana cards + signature, numbered title card
From the 1627 book by Jan Cnobbaert
Etchings originally created by Phillip de Mallery (1598 - ?)
Deck concept & graphic design by Morena Poltronieri
Published by Museo Dei Tarocchi - Hermatena, 2014
Printed on textured, white matte cardstock - card backs are plain
Leaflet: English translation by M. Poltronieri, edited by Arnell Ando
Card Size: 9.25" H x 6.25" W (23.5 x 15.9 cm)
Limited, Special Edition of only 30 numbered sets, signed by M. Poltronieri
Comes in ribbed corrugated box with title card attached to lid, Museo's hot wax seal
Price: € 170. Euro + Italian Postage
*Special Price for U.S. Customers Shared Below
Description: Morena Poltronieri has done a great job choosing images from this classic book that fit with the Major Arcana iconography beautifully. Most Tarotists will probably recognize the inherent symbololgy (even without understanding the ancient text) which speaks to the power of the universal symbolic language passed down through time. This is the first published Tarot deck inspired by this historically important work. Ms. Poltronieri colorized specific details found in the original B&W etchings to further enhance the overall meaning of each Tarot trump. The cards are quite large (9.25" H x 6.25" W - 23.5 x 15.9 cm), and since they are also printed on cardstock, seem more suited for meditation, study and deck collecting rather than use as an actual reading deck. The leaflet that comes enclosed shares interesting background info about this classic work from the 1627 publication by Jan Cnobbaert, (original art by Phillip de Mallery, from the early 1600's). This book was published four times which attests to its popularity. The title is Latin for 'Image of the World', in which disasters & dangers are symbolically represented in contrast with the love of 'God' (higher power) and that of humankind. Calamities and hazards are perceived as being caused by human failures. Swords and crowns in these illustrations for example, symbolize the potential danger of our own power.
When this book was interpreted from an alchemical perspective, the hermetic view was that it was intended as a maze through which to view spiritual elevation. The text follows the paths of the famous Liber Mutus; so each image can be viewed and understood as a vehicle for meditation. While the motto indicates the key phrase for one to ponder; which is something akin to focusing on doing meaningful work in life.
Here are a few examples of the text which comes with the deck and are attributed to the cards. The corresponding images can be found below.
0 - The Fool
Vana escape east, Crux quam fugis, haeret - Escape is in vain; that which you cross is connected to you.
Cupid travels the world while crossing by a snail needing its shell, a turtle using his for a shield, while the Fool is seen being chased by his own shadow. This indicates fate from which no one can escape. So every path must be true to its own history and destiny.
I - Magician
Not omne quod hic Micat aurum east - Not all that glitters is gold.
Cupid is shown holding a globe with a cross (globes cruciger) while indicating coins on a table, one of which is shiny. The real power lies in recognizing true gold. For not all that glitters is gold and the true test goes beyond outward appearances.
XIX - The Sun
Donec totum expleat ORBEM - That which fills the world.
One cupid with sun rays surrounding his head acknowledges another with a crescent moon who holds a globe; the realization of coexisting dimensions. Light & darkness together create a world full of replenishing love.
XX - Judgement
Post tenebras hope lucem - Out of darkness comes light.
Sacred Love raises hands towards the heavens which part to reveal a sword crossed with a laurel branch. Cupid blindfolded; stumbles forward, while a sphere is broken in two. The world is open to us as well the afterlife. In this way there is no need to see except through the eyes of the heart. High in the sky the sword clarifies truth and the laurel branch represents peace.
This lovely set was produced on softly textured, white, matte cardstock and comes in a ribbed corrugated box, wrapped in a protective cloth. It is limited to only 30 copies, each signed and numbered by Morena Poltronieri (responsible for the deck concept & graphic design). It is recommended for collectors and Tarot art/history scholars.
