The enchanting world of tarot cards, once relegated to the niches of bohemian culture and arcane practices, has burst into the mainstream with a fervour not seen in centuries. A new exhibition at The Morgan Library & Museum, aptly titled *Tarot! Renaissance Symbols, Modern Visions*, navigates this fascinating evolution, tracing the origins of tarot from 15th-century Italy to its contemporary status as a tool for introspection and guidance. With the exhibition running until 4 October, it promises to captivate both novices and seasoned tarot enthusiasts alike.
The Roots of Tarot: A Game of Cards
Initially, tarot emerged not as a sacred oracle but as a card game enjoyed by the privileged classes of Renaissance Italy. Curator Claire Gilman notes that it wasn’t until the 18th century that the cards began to acquire their mystical associations, first in France and later spreading across Europe and beyond. This transformation is a testament to the adaptability of the tarot, which has continually reshaped itself to meet the cultural zeitgeist.
Gilman observes, “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.” As it migrated through time and space, tarot morphed from a leisurely pastime to a rich tapestry of symbolism that resonates profoundly with contemporary seekers.
The Artistic Evolution of Tarot
The exhibition features a remarkable collection of artworks, including the Visconti-Sforza deck, one of the oldest surviving tarot sets. This exquisite collection, now partially housed at The Morgan, showcases the intricate craftsmanship of master artists who painted these cards by hand. Joshua O’Driscoll, co-curator of the Renaissance Symbols section, highlights that despite their age, these historic cards retain a recognisable structure for modern users. “This is one of the things that I find most surprising,” he explains, “Despite being nearly 600 years old, the Renaissance decks will be recognizable to anyone familiar with tarot imagery.”
The original inspirations for these cards were rooted in literary works, most notably Petrarch’s *Triumphs*, which depicted life’s journey from sin to redemption. Yet, it was the introduction of the Rider-Waite-Smith deck in 1909 that revolutionised tarot by illustrating the often-ignored minor arcana. Gilman asserts that this innovation significantly democratized the cards, allowing individuals to craft personal narratives from their imagery, thereby enhancing both mystery and accessibility.
Contemporary Interpretations and Artistic Inspirations
The modern tarot landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven from countless influences, with new decks flooding the market at an astonishing rate. Designers and artists have found a rich source of inspiration in the tarot, utilising its archetypes and imagery to explore personal and collective themes. The 1960s and 70s saw a surge in creative interpretations, with notable contributions from figures such as Aleister Crowley and David Palladini, whose decks embraced the shifting cultural landscape of their time.
Among the standout collections featured in this exhibition is the work of British Surrealist Ithell Colquhoun, whose abstract deck, *Tarot as Color*, assigns hues to each suit, creating a stunning visual experience. Another artist, Argentine painter Xul Solar, presents a uniquely hand-painted deck infused with Mesoamerican influences and a myriad of other references.
Surrealist icons such as Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo have also left their mark, using tarot not merely as a deck but as a conceptual framework to explore themes of mysticism and the subconscious. Gilman explains, “With the Surrealists, it’s less about making a full deck and more about how these tarot references populate, in a way, everything they’re doing visually.”
The Resurgence of Tarot in Contemporary Culture
The tarot’s resurgence in recent years can be traced to a cultural turning point around 2019, further accelerated by the global pandemic. The cards have become a universal language, transcending cultural barriers and resonating with a diverse audience seeking guidance in uncertain times. Gilman articulates the inclusive power of the tarot, stating, “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.”
As more individuals turn to tarot for reflection and insight, it serves as a reminder of the timeless human quest for understanding and connection. *Tarot! Renaissance Symbols, Modern Visions* not only celebrates this rich heritage but also invites us to ponder our own journeys through the lens of these captivating cards.
Why it Matters
The exploration of tarot’s evolution from a simple card game to a multifaceted artistic and spiritual practice reflects broader societal shifts in how we seek meaning and connection. In an age where uncertainty looms large, the tarot stands as a beacon of introspection, offering a unique blend of history and personal relevance. This exhibition underscores the importance of art as a means of understanding our collective psyche, bridging the gap between the past and present while affirming the enduring power of symbolism in our lives.
