Tarot de Marseille: Paris 1890: Anima Antiqua
✍️ Giordano Berti, Lo ScarabeoA study of Giordano Berti's 1890 Paris Tarot de Marseille edition.
The text centers on a rare artifact from the late nineteenth century. It details the production of a deck by Baptiste-Paul Grimaud between 1891 and 1899. This work is part of the Tarot de Besançon tradition, which originated in a specific French town. The edition is notable for substituting the traditional Arcana. Giordano Berti provides expert commentary on the art and philosophy behind these cards. Lo Scarabeo created the deck, emphasizing artistic value and innovation while preserving tradition. Llewellyn Publications handles distribution in North America. The book offers a focused look at this specific historical period rather than general tarot theory.
This work examines the Tarot de Besançon tradition, named for the French town where these cards were originally printed. It focuses on the period between 1891 and 1899, when Baptiste-Paul Grimaud produced this specific deck in Paris.
📝 Description: Tarot de Marseille: Paris 1890: Anima Antiqua
💎 Expert review
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Enthusiasts of esoteric history and tarot scholars will find this volume indispensable for its meticulous reproduction of a rare Parisian deck from 1890. Readers interested in the evolution of divinatory systems will appreciate the glimpse into how tradition took unexpected turns during the occult revival. This book is particularly valuable for those studying the Tarot de Besançon lineage, as it offers unique insights into localized adaptations and shifting interpretations of the Major Arcana. It serves as a fascinating resource for understanding the artistic and symbolic divergences that occurred in Grimaud's work, providing a tangible connection to a specific moment in occult history where ancient systems were being reimagined.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
While this publication offers a compelling look at a niche variant of the Tarot de Marseille, it is not for casual readers seeking standard Rider-Waite-Smith imagery or straightforward instructional guides. The peculiar substitutions in the Major Arcana may confuse those unfamiliar with the Besançon lineage's structural nuances. It requires a foundational knowledge of tarot history to fully appreciate the significance of Grimaud’s deviations from standard Marseille patterns. Consequently, it is strictly for dedicated occultists and historians who value archival accuracy over accessibility. Those expecting a practical how-to guide for divination will likely find it lacking in direct application, preferring instead the scholarly context provided.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
If you are a seasoned Tarot enthusiast, a historical playing card collector, or someone captivated by the intricate evolution of esoteric symbolism, this deck offers a profound journey. Discover the fascinating deviations within the Tarot de Marseille tradition and deepen your appreciation for its rich, varied past.
🎯 Key themes and symbolism
Marseille Tradition Variants
This deck showcases how the foundational Tarot de Marseille evolved through regional printing houses. It highlights the dynamic nature of early Tarot production, where local artisans and publishers, like Grimaud, introduced subtle yet significant alterations, providing a rich tapestry of historical interpretations beyond the standardized models we often see today.
Historical Card Evolution
Explore the fascinating trajectory of playing and divinatory cards through this 1890 Grimaud deck. It offers a tangible example of how specific card designs shifted over time, reflecting cultural influences and individual artistic choices, particularly in the unique substitutions within the Major Arcana, making it a valuable historical artifact.
Collecting Esoteric Decks
For the discerning collector, this reproduction represents a rare opportunity to own a historically significant Tarot de Besançon variant. Its specific provenance from Grimaud and its unusual card changes elevate it beyond a mere divination tool into a prized piece of occult ephemera, appealing to those who appreciate the nuanced history of Tarot art.
📜 Historical context
📚 Glossary
- Tarot de Marseille
- Tarot de Besançon
- Major Arcana
📔 Questions to reflect on
- How do the unique card substitutions in this deck influence your initial intuitive understanding of the Major Arcana's traditional meanings?
- Considering the historical context of the late 19th century, what societal or occult shifts might have inspired Grimaud's alterations to the classic Tarot de Marseille?
- If you were to design your own variant of a historical Tarot, which cards would you change, and what new symbolic meanings would you infuse into them?
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📖 From the series “Lo Scarabeo Anima Antiqua”
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