The Visconti-Sforza Tarot represents one of the most profound historical artifacts in the realm of cartomancy and playing card history. Created in the mid-15th century, this deck serves as a vital link to the origins of tarot, offering a glimpse into the cultural, artistic, and social dynamics of Renaissance Milan. Unlike modern decks primarily used for divination, the Visconti-Sforza cards were originally commissioned for a game known as "trionfi" or triumph, reflecting the era's fascination with allegory, art, and displays of power. This comprehensive exploration delves into the deck's origins, its artistic craftsmanship, the mysteries surrounding its missing cards, and its enduring influence on contemporary tarot design.
Origins and Historical Context
The Visconti-Sforza Tarot was created between 1428 and 1447 for Filippo Maria Visconti, the Duke of Milan. The deck is inextricably linked to the Visconti and Sforza families, dynasties that ruled Milan during the Renaissance and were known for their patronage of the arts. Francesco Sforza, who married into the Visconti family, later became associated with the deck, solidifying its connection to the ruling elite of the time.
The deck emerged from a period characterized by political power plays, family alliances, and a deep appreciation for artistic expression. It was not born out of a mystical vision or divine revelation but rather from the upper classes' desire to showcase their wealth and sophistication. The Visconti-Sforza Tarot is considered the oldest surviving tarot deck, setting the structural standard for what would become the 78-card deck widely used today. This structure includes 22 trumps and four suits, establishing a template that has endured for centuries.
The cards were designed for a game called "triumph," which bore some resemblance to modern tarot but served primarily as entertainment for the noble court. This historical context underscores the deck's origins in leisure and art rather than prophecy or divination. The Visconti-Sforza cards remind us that tarot's beginnings were rooted in the cultural and social practices of the Renaissance elite.
Artistic Craftsmanship and Design
The Visconti-Sforza Tarot is celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship, with each card individually painted on card stock. The intricate details and use of gold leaf reflect the high level of skill and artistry involved in their creation. These hand-painted treasures were not merely playing cards but works of art designed to impress and delight.
The visual vocabulary established by the Visconti-Sforza deck continues to influence modern tarot designs. The cards feature medieval scenes that are authentically rendered, capturing the clothing, appearance, and environment of the 15th century. There is no text on the cards, and they lack standard signatures, numbering, or Kabbalistic and astrological correspondences. This absence of occult symbols highlights their original purpose as a game rather than a tool for mystical exploration.
The deck belongs to the French school of tarot design, where Strength is numbered 11 and Judgment is 8. This numbering system differs from the more common Rider-Waite-Smith deck, further emphasizing the Visconti-Sforza's unique place in tarot history. The cards are often published in a large size (approximately 18 x 10 cm), making them more suitable for collectible display or meditation rather than frequent shuffling and practical use.
The Mystery of Missing Cards
A fascinating aspect of the Visconti-Sforza deck is the presence of missing cards and historical ambiguities. Several cards from the original set are missing, and historians are uncertain about the deck's complete composition. Notably, the Devil card is entirely absent from the surviving collection. Whether it was never created, lost, or deliberately removed due to religious or political controversy remains unknown. This absence creates a gap in our understanding of how the major arcana sequence developed during this period.
Additionally, some versions of the deck include variant cards that do not appear in standard modern tarot. For example, cards representing Faith, Hope, and Charity replace some of the more familiar major arcana. These variations suggest that the "standard" tarot structure was still evolving during the 15th century, and the Visconti-Sforza deck captures a snapshot of this fluid development.
The surviving cards are housed in three locations: 35 cards at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York City, 26 cards at the Accademia Carrara in Bergamo, Italy, and 13 cards in the private Colleoni family collection, also in Bergamo. Modern reproductions of the deck often include recreations of the missing cards by artists such as Luigi Scapini and Atanas Atanasov, who aimed to convey the atmosphere of the Renaissance while completing the set.
Enduring Influence and Legacy
The Visconti-Sforza Tarot's influence extends far beyond its historical origins. It has inspired contemporary artists and tarot enthusiasts for over 500 years, serving as a foundation for modern deck design. The deck's visual power and artistic beauty continue to resonate, bridging the gap between past and present.
This deck represents the beginning of tarot's visual tradition and an ongoing conversation about symbolism, art, and the human experience. It invites reflection on our relationship with history, art, and the symbols that help us navigate our inner and outer worlds. The Visconti-Sforza Tarot reminds us that tarot's origins lie in entertainment and art, not prophecy, yet its enduring legacy speaks to something timeless in human nature.
Conclusion
The Visconti-Sforza Tarot is a remarkable artifact that offers a window into the origins of tarot and the cultural world of Renaissance Milan. Its artistic craftsmanship, historical context, and mysterious missing cards make it a subject of fascination for historians, artists, and tarot enthusiasts alike. While originally created for a game, its influence on modern tarot design is undeniable, and its legacy continues to inspire and captivate. As we explore the Visconti-Sforza deck, we are reminded of the deep connection between art, history, and the symbols that shape our understanding of the world.