The Nicolas Conver 1760 Tarot deck, often referred to as the Ancient Tarot of Marseilles, holds a significant place in the history of cartomancy and playing card production. Created by Master Nicolas Conver, an engraver at the court of the King of France and the founder of the Maison Conver, this deck is widely recognized as one of the most famous and renowned Tarot de Marseille decks. Experts judge it to be the guardian of extraordinary perfection, characterized by its interconnected and coherent symbols, graphic features, name puzzles, and number codes. The deck represents a specific aesthetic and structural tradition within the broader category of Marseilles-style tarots, which were produced in the region during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Historical analysis places the Conver deck within a lineage of cardmaking that predates it. While the Conver 1760 deck was considered for a long time to be the oldest Tarot de Marseille made in Marseilles, research conducted in 2001 revealed that another deck, the Tarot de Marseille manufactured by François Chosson in 1672, was nearly a century older. This discovery highlights the established tradition of master cardmakers in Marseilles, with François Chosson forming part of a dynasty of such artisans. The Conver deck, however, remains a benchmark for its execution and visual clarity.
The visual characteristics of the Conver deck are distinct. The cards are typically colored in blue, yellow, red, and green with a light-brown background. The specific technique used for coloring the Tarot of Nicolas Conver was originally done by stencil. The execution of the deck is noted for its clarity and beauty of colors, particularly a distinctive pale blue. This quality led Paul Marteau to refer to this deck for his own 1930 edition, the "Ancien Tarot de Marseille." However, it is noted that the subsequent Grimaud deck is not a direct reproduction of the Conver deck, although the templates were preserved by the Camoin House, the heir of Conver that disappeared in 1970.
Physical Characteristics and Authenticity
The authentic reproduction of the original 1760 deck captures specific physical traits that distinguish it from modern recreations. The cards are numbered with Roman numerals, with the exception of the pentacles suit and the Fool. Card names are presented in French, and the Death card is traditionally unnamed. A specific detail confirming the deck's origin is the presence of a scroll on the 2 of pentacles bearing the legend "Nas Conver 1760." Additionally, the Valet of Deniers (Page of Pentacles) shows Conver's name and country of origin, France.
Modern reproductions often aim to replicate not just the images but also the aging of the original cards. For example, the upper right corner of the Death card in the original is described as smudgy with a gap in the line. These slight discolorations and worn areas are sometimes included in reproductions to provide an authentic feel. This approach contrasts with "re-creations," which attempt to follow the design faithfully but create a modern master copy using modern technology and techniques, often resulting in smoother, crisper lines and translated titles. The Conver deck sold as "Ancient Tarots of Marseilles" is a reproduction, showing wear, fading, yellowing of paper stock, and smearing of lines from the original printing process. This wear suggests the deck was an inexpensive item intended for regular use, such as at a card table in a tavern, rather than a pristine piece of art.
Interpretation and Usage in Tarot Reading
The Conver 1760 deck is associated with traditional methods of reading that were common before the twentieth century. These methods rely on older cartomantic arts rather than the psychological or occult systems that developed later. The deck's design is described as unburdened by self-conscious symbolism; it does not attempt to conform to a specific individual's metaphysical or psychological theory. This characteristic appeals to those seeking a connection to the historical roots of tarot reading.
Specific traditional techniques associated with this style of deck include:
- Blending and Pairing Cards: This involves looking at the interaction between two or more cards to derive meaning, rather than interpreting them in isolation.
- Reading Lines: Interpreting cards placed in a linear sequence to tell a story or trace a progression of events.
- Following "Line of Sight": This technique involves piecing together narratives based on the direction in which the characters on the cards are facing, suggesting connections or influences between figures in the spread.
- Traditional Spreads: Using card spreads drawn from traditional French and Italian sources.
These methods emphasize the visual and directional elements of the cards, treating the deck as a tool for storytelling and divination based on the imagery and arrangement rather than complex esoteric correspondences.
Restoration and Modern Adaptations
There is significant interest in preserving and restoring the Conver 1760 imagery for contemporary use. Various authors and artists have worked on restoration or reconstruction projects, using the Conver deck as a primary model. These efforts range from faithful reproductions to modernized versions that employ current design technology.
One such restoration is the Artisan Tarot deck, which is a restored edition of the 1760 Nicolas Conver Major Arcana. This project referenced various public domain versions of the Conver deck and was also influenced by modern restorations such as Dr. Yoav Ben-Dov’s CBD Tarot and Alejandro Jodorowsky’s Tarot de Marseille. The restoration process involved a Hungarian artist, Krisztina Kondor, who meticulously restored the images over six months. The images were recreated with vector lines in Illustrator to ensure smooth, crisp lines, giving the images a modern feel while aiming for faithful reproduction.
Adaptations in these modern versions often include changes to physical specifications for usability:
- Size: The original cards were approximately 11.9 x 6.2 cm. Modern versions may expand this to a standard tarot size of 12.06 x 6.98 cm.
- Corners: The original deck likely featured square corners, common for historical playing cards. Modern versions often round these corners for easier handling.
- Content: Some modern sets include both French and English versions of the cards, making the traditional imagery and titles accessible to a wider audience.
Comparative Analysis of Deck Styles
Understanding the Conver 1760 deck is enhanced by comparing it to other historical and modern styles. The distinction between a "reproduction" and a "re-creation" is crucial for collectors and readers who wish to experience the deck as it was originally used versus a polished modern interpretation.
| Feature | Conver 1760 Reproduction | Modern Re-creation (e.g., Artisan Tarot) |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Fidelity | Includes wear, fading, yellowing, and printing imperfections of the original. | Clean, crisp lines; faithful to the design but often digitally smoothed. |
| Coloring | Replicates original stencil coloring, including specific hues like pale blue. | Modern printing methods; colors may be adjusted for vibrancy or consistency. |
| Physical Specs | Original size (approx. 11.9 x 6.2 cm) and likely square corners. | Standardized size (approx. 12.06 x 6.98 cm) with rounded corners. |
| Text | French text, Roman numerals (mostly). | May include English translations alongside or in place of French. |
| Intent | Historical accuracy; experiencing the deck as it looked in the 18th century. | Usability and aesthetic appeal for modern readers; preserving the design essence. |
The Conver deck's "crude" craftsmanship, characterized by rough woodcuts and colors applied without strict logic or artistic taste, is part of its historical appeal. It reflects the production standards and intended use of the era. In contrast, modern re-creations prioritize visual clarity and ease of use, which can alter the reading experience. While the Conver deck is a direct link to the past, modern adaptations serve to keep the imagery and traditional symbolism accessible to new generations of tarot enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Nicolas Conver 1760 Tarot deck represents a pivotal artifact in the history of the Tarot de Marseille. As a product of a significant dynasty of Marseilles cardmakers, it embodies the artistic and technical standards of its time. Its reputation for "extraordinary perfection" lies in its coherent symbolic structure and distinctive color palette, particularly the pale blue achieved through stencil coloring. For those interested in the historical lineage of tarot, the Conver deck serves as a standard-bearer, with earlier decks like the 1672 Chosson deck providing context for its development.
The deck's utility extends beyond historical study; it is a functional tool for divination using pre-twentieth-century reading methods. These methods, focusing on card blending, linear reading, and directional sight, offer a narrative approach to cartomancy that is distinct from later occult or psychological systems. The physical characteristics of the deck, including its wear patterns and French text, provide an authentic connection to its 18th-century origins.
In the modern era, the Conver 1760 deck continues to influence tarot practice through both faithful reproductions and innovative restorations. These projects balance the desire for historical authenticity with the practical needs of contemporary users, ensuring that the "mysterious message" and visual legacy of Master Nicolas Conver remain accessible.