A new exhibition at The Morgan Library & Museum in New York, titled *Tarot! Renaissance Symbols, Modern Visions*, delves into the captivating history of tarot cards, tracing their evolution from a simple card game in 15th-century Italy to a modern-day symbol of mystique and self-discovery. As interest in tarot readings surged during the pandemic, this exhibition offers a timely exploration of the cards’ artistic heritage and their cultural significance today.
The Evolution of Tarot: From Game to Divination
Originally, tarot cards were not instruments of divination but rather a sophisticated card game enjoyed by the affluent. According to curator Claire Gilman, the transformation began in the 18th century when the cards crossed into France, where they began to adopt intricate occult meanings. This shift laid the groundwork for the cards’ migration to the UK and their eventual global spread throughout the 20th century.
Gilman notes the tarot’s unique ability to balance both tradition and innovation. “One of the amazing things about the tarot is that there is so much continuity, but there is also a tremendous amount of change and transformation,” she states. This duality has undoubtedly contributed to its enduring allure, allowing both novice and seasoned practitioners to find meaning within its imagery.
A Glimpse into the Past: The Visconti-Sforza Deck
The exhibition showcases a significant piece of tarot history: the Visconti-Sforza deck, one of the oldest surviving tarot collections. Created for the Visconti family in the mid-15th century, this deck is a testament to the artistic mastery of its time. The exquisite artistry of these hand-painted cards offers a stunning visual experience, revealing the intricate techniques of panel painting, wall murals, and manuscript illumination that artisans like Bonifacio Bembo had to master.
Co-curator Joshua O’Driscoll emphasizes the remarkable continuity between these early cards and contemporary decks. “Despite being nearly 600 years old, the Renaissance decks at the core of the show will be recognizable to anyone familiar with tarot imagery,” he remarks. The Visconti-Sforza deck serves as a foundational piece within the broader narrative of tarot, illustrating how its themes have transcended time.
The Rider-Waite-Smith Revolution
The tarot landscape underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck in 1909, which remains the most widely used deck globally. Pamela Colman Smith’s innovative approach in illustrating the minor arcana marked a pivotal moment in tarot history. Traditionally overlooked, these cards were brought to life through vivid imagery that invited users to weave their own narratives.
Gilman highlights the importance of this innovation, stating, “It really enhances the mystery built into these cards, and also the accessibility.” By allowing users to engage with the imagery on a personal level, the Rider-Waite-Smith deck democratized tarot, captivating a wider audience and fostering its modern resurgence.
Contemporary Interpretations and Artistic Expressions
With the resurgence of interest in tarot, contemporary artists have found rich inspiration within its archetypes and narratives. The exhibition features over two dozen artists, including British painter Chris Ofili, who engage with tarot themes in novel ways. Among the highlights is Ithell Colquhoun’s *Tarot as Color*, purported to be the first fully abstract tarot deck, where each suit is represented by a distinct hue.
Gilman explains that Surrealist artists like Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo often employed tarot symbolism in their work, not necessarily to create full decks but to infuse their artistic expressions with a sense of mysticism. This blending of tarot with various artistic movements showcases its versatility and enduring relevance.
The pandemic has significantly accelerated tarot’s mainstream acceptance, with many turning to its wisdom as a source of comfort and guidance. Gilman observes, “The arcana are so universal… people can relate to it, and shift it and slant it according to what those things mean in their specific community.”
Why it Matters
The tarot’s journey from a mere card game to a powerful tool for self-reflection underscores its cultural significance in contemporary society. As individuals increasingly seek meaning and connection in an uncertain world, the cards serve as a bridge across cultures and generations. The *Tarot!* exhibition at The Morgan Library & Museum not only celebrates this rich history but also reinforces the idea that, regardless of their origins, tarot cards can offer profound insights into our lives today. This evolving narrative invites us all to engage with the tarot’s possibilities, suggesting that perhaps we are all, in some way, seeking our own paths through the cards.
