The Tarot represents a profound intersection of pictorial design, cultural history, and esoteric tradition. While often recognized as a tool for divination, the Tarot functions equally as a rich tapestry of artistic craftsmanship and sequential storytelling. Its origins remain obscure, with theories tracing its development to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, medieval educational games, or an extension of traditional playing cards introduced to Europe via trade routes. By the 15th century, Tarot decks were being crafted with elaborate illustrations, particularly in Italy and France, where they were used for gaming and valued for their artistic quality.
Many of the earliest Tarot decks, such as the Visconti-Sforza Tarot, were hand-painted, often with gold leaf and intricate detailing. These cards reflected the Gothic and Renaissance artistic styles of the time. They were adorned with elaborate costumes, architectural motifs, and heraldic symbols. Such decks functioned as miniature works of art designed for the aristocracy, who commissioned them as luxurious items, blending fine art with decorative craftsmanship. The Tarot can be understood as a sequential pictorial narrative, where each card represents an allegorical figure or event. Unlike singular paintings, Tarot decks offer a structured yet flexible visual storytelling system. Different cards form unique combinations, much like a dynamic manuscript. This sequential, iconographic approach is similar to illuminated manuscripts and early woodblock prints, where images carried aesthetic and didactic functions.
The artistic evolution of Tarot reflects broader shifts in design history. From the ornate engravings of the Renaissance to the bold, simplified forms seen in 20th-century decks, Tarot has continuously adapted its visual language to fit contemporary aesthetics. The Art Nouveau-influenced Tarot decks of the late 19th century, such as those by Oswald Wirth, exemplified flowing organic motifs. At the same time, the Bauhaus and Modernist movements later inspired minimalist and geometric Tarot designs.
Historical Collaboration and Artistic Innovation
The Tarot’s artistic significance has deepened throughout history, particularly as renowned artists have taken on the task of designing tarot decks. One iconic collaboration is that of Lady Frieda Harris and the famous occultist Aleister Crowley. Under Crowley’s guidance, Harris created the Thoth Tarot, a masterpiece that represents a fusion of mysticism and modern visual aesthetics. Her artwork modernized tarot symbolism, making the cards both visually striking and conceptually rich.
Another notable example is Salvador Dalí, the legendary surrealist. In the 1970s, he designed the Dalí Universal Tarot, blending traditional tarot symbolism with his dreamlike surrealist style. Dalí portrayed himself as The Magician and depicted his beloved wife Gala as The Empress. These historical examples demonstrate that Tarot has long served as a source of inspiration for artists, allowing them to explore complex themes through a shared symbolic language.
Symbolism in the Decorative Arts
Decorative arts have long relied on symbolism to convey meaning beyond mere ornamentation, and the Tarot operates within this tradition. The visual elements found in Tarot—such as the sun and moon, geometric patterns, celestial bodies, and alchemical symbols—also appear in textiles, ceramics, and architectural embellishments. Just as a decorative motif in a Gothic cathedral may symbolize divine ascension, so does The Star card represent hope and inspiration through its luminous imagery.
Many Tarot decks incorporate rich floral and faunal motifs reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts and decorative wallpapers. The Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, one of the most iconic decks, features naturalistic backgrounds that echo the Arts and Crafts Movement’s reverence for handcrafted, nature-inspired design. Blending these artistic disciplines highlights Tarot’s deep connection with the decorative arts.
The craft of Tarot has historically involved meticulous artisan work. Early decks were often hand-painted, requiring an intricate process akin to manuscript illumination. With the advent of printing technologies, woodblock and engraved Tarot cards became more widely accessible. This democratized what was once a luxury item. Today, Tarot remains a flourishing domain within the applied arts. Contemporary artists produce handcrafted decks using traditional printmaking techniques, letterpress, and even digital collage. The resurgence of handmade and limited-edition Tarot decks echoes the broader revival of artisan craftsmanship in contemporary decorative arts. This reinforces the Tarot’s place as both an artistic object and a tool for storytelling.
The Symbolic Power of Tarot in Art
Tarot cards embody life’s core experiences through archetypal symbols, which artists frequently explore in their work. A few notable examples include The Fool, The Lovers, and The Tower.
- The Fool: Symbolizes new beginnings and adventure. Artists often turn to this card for creative inspiration.
- The Lovers: Represents love and choices, making it a popular symbol in works about relationships and emotional depth.
- The Tower: Embodies chaos, upheaval, and transformation—ideal for expressing dramatic or cathartic events through art.
These symbolic layers offer endless inspiration. Tarot cards reflect both personal struggles and collective experiences, serving as a creative catalyst in artistic processes. Furthermore, the influence of Tarot extends into high fashion. Brands like Dior, Valentino, and Gucci have incorporated tarot symbols into runway shows, using the cards not just as mystical motifs but as powerful visual elements. These collections prove that tarot is not just about divination—it’s a cultural symbol with artistic authority.
The Temperance Card: An Alchemical Study
Within the Tarot’s Major Arcana, the card known as Temperance (often referred to as Art in some traditions) holds significant meaning regarding balance and integration. The card's imagery typically features an angel pouring water between two cups, symbolizing the alchemy of patience, moderation, and spiritual flow. One foot is often seen in the water, one on land, representing a state that is grounded yet intuitive.
Upright Meaning
When the Art/Temperance card appears upright, it is a signal to slow down, breathe deep, and find one's center. This card is about integrating opposing forces, not swinging from one extreme to the other. It suggests the need to find a rhythm that honors all parts of the self. Healing is indicated, but it is emphasized that this is not a quick fix. The advice associated with this position is to soften one's grip, trust the timing, and blend wisely.
Reversed Meaning
When the Art/Temperance card is reversed, balance is off, or there is an attempt to force a situation into harmony before it is ready. This may manifest as overindulgence, burning out, or flipping between extremes while calling it "passion." This reversal can also signal impatience or avoidance of the inner work needed to restore true peace. It is the spiritual equivalent of mixing oil and water and wondering why things feel chaotic. The reversed position simply ups the urgency of the card's upright message, reinforcing that one cannot run forever.
Advice Position
In the context of advice, this card suggests stopping the attempt to rush the outcome and starting to tend to the process. It emphasizes the importance of patience and the careful mixing of elements to achieve a desired result.
Tarot as Living Art
The Tarot is more than a divinatory system—it is a rich tapestry of pictorial design, cultural history, and artistic craftsmanship. As both a storytelling medium and a decorative artifact, it continues to inspire artists and designers. It bridges past and present through its evolving visual language. Whether through traditional illustration, digital design, or experimental media, the Tarot remains a testament to the enduring power of art to convey meaning, mystery, and beauty. Its place in the world of the applied and decorative arts is secure, serving as a testament to the human desire to find structure and insight through visual symbolism.