Early Tarot History
Origins and Evolution of Tarot
When we talk about the origins of Tarot, we're looking at its history before it became associated with fortune-telling. The earliest known mention of a Tarot deck dates back to Ferrara, Italy, around 1442. But before 1760, there’s no record of Tarot being used for divination or introspection.
From the 15th to the 18th centuries, Tarot was primarily a card game commissioned by Italian noble families. These decks eventually gained popularity with the general public, especially in taverns where they were used for gambling, much like modern-day bridge.
Despite the common belief that Tarot's use for fortune-telling replaced its role as a game, Tarot continued to be actively played in Italy, France, and Spain throughout the 20th century. So, Tarot's journey from a noble pastime to a mystical tool for insight has always been intertwined with its enduring role as a recreational card game.
The Visconti-Sforza, dating back to the 15th century, is the oldest known Tarot deck. It was originally crafted as a card game to celebrate the union of two influential Italian families.
Distant Origins
Early hand-painted Tarot cards are super rare, and no fully intact sets have survived. The Visconti-Sforza Tarot cards are the earliest and most complete 15th-century deck known to historians. These cards were commissioned for Francesco Sforza, a big-shot military commander who married into a wealthy and influential family.
Francesco Sforza's wife, Bianca Maria Visconti, was the daughter of Filippo Maria Visconti, the ruling Duke of Milan at the time. The Visconti-Sforza deck was created to celebrate their marriage and the union of their powerful families. While Sforza initially aimed to become Duke of Milan after his father-in-law's death, it didn't happen right away. But with his wife's support, he eventually used his military strength to take control of the dukedom.
So, the Visconti-Sforza deck not only showcases the art and culture of its time but also highlights the political ambitions and alliances of the powerful families involved in its creation.
A Powerful Union
Francesco Sforza made sure the Visconti rule continued strong by combining his family's symbols with those of the Visconti in the Visconti-Sforza deck. You can see Sforza's linked rings symbol on many cards, along with classic Visconti motifs like laurel and palm leaves on the Emperor and Empress cards. Their motto, 'a bon droyt,' meaning 'with good right,' is also featured throughout the deck, underscoring their authority.
The artist Bonifacio Bembo hand-painted each card in the Visconti-Sforza deck. However, six Major Arcana cards, including Fortitude, Temperance, the Star, the Moon, the Sun, and the World, were painted by another artist. These cards stand out with their unique depictions of figures on the edge of a cliff.
After its creation, the Visconti-Sforza deck significantly influenced the development of Tarot, leading to regional variations in northern Italy. Just like how different regions put their own spin on a shared recipe, Tarot decks in Ferrara, Bologna, and Milan developed unique artistic styles and symbols. These decks, often commissioned by wealthy nobles, were crafted as luxurious artworks, hand-painted, and frequently embellished with gold on durable card stock.
By the late 15th century, Tarot had become a staple in Italian culture, enjoyed both as a game and as a symbol of status and artistry among the elite.
A Powerful Union
Interestingly, the Visconti-Sforza Major Arcana aren't numbered, and the deck is missing four cards: the Devil, the Tower, the Knight of Pentacles, and the Three of Swords. It's unclear whether these cards were ever part of the original set.
After the Visconti-Sforza deck was created, Tarot evolved, with different regions adding their own twists to the game. Much like how a recipe can vary from place to place, Tarot deck designs started to reflect local styles while keeping the core structure of the Major and Minor Arcana. By the late 15th century, Tarot was popular all over northern Italy, especially in Ferrara, Bologna, and Milan. Wealthy nobles would commission these decks, which were hand-painted, often inlaid with gold, and crafted on durable card stock, making each card a miniature work of art.
Treasure or Trash
Noble Tarot cards, often called 'Noble cards,' were prized possessions among the elite. Crafted with meticulous detail and often adorned with gold, these decks symbolized wealth and sophistication.
On the other hand, playing cards for the general public were mass-produced using wood-block stamps. These cards were printed on thin, flimsy paper, coloured, and cut, making them cheap and disposable. They were easily damaged and frequently discarded, so very few cards from before the 18th century have survived.
The difference in craftsmanship and materials between Noble Tarot decks and public playing cards highlights the social and cultural divide in their use and preservation. While Noble Tarot decks were cherished as luxurious artworks, public playing cards were seen as throwaway items for brief entertainment.
The Magic of Art
Bonifacio Bembo, born into a family of painters, was known for his stunning portraits, murals, and biblical scenes. His most famous work is likely the frescoes in the chapel of Castello Sforzesco in Milan, a medieval fort built by Francesco Sforza in the 15th century. Sforza commissioned Bembo for various projects, including portraits of himself and his wife, Bianca Maria, as well as a historic Tarot deck.
After Francesco's death, his son Galeazzo continued to support Bembo, commissioning him to create more amazing pieces for chapels and altarpieces. Today, Bembo's Tarot cards have travelled far and wide. You can find 35 of these original cards at the Morgan Library and Museum in New York City, where they’ve been since 1911.