Mantegna Tarot

'Let the virtues direct you, the Liberal Arts guide you and the Muses inspire you'. 

Mantegna Tarot – Medieval Cosmology prepared the World for Human Understanding. This pack contains 50 lluminated cards and 25 additional cards which support them for the purpose of a card game. Published by Lo Scarabeo with tarot influenced artwork by the esteemed Bulgarian artist, A.A Atanassov who based the cards on the work of Venetian painter, Andrea Mantegna (1431 - 1505). A little white booklet contains instructions for ‘The Chessboard Game’ of 20 cards. The information provides card interpretations in English and 5 European languages.  



This highly unusual deck features glorious artworks on every card. It is a novelty card game presentation, not for tarot reading and without the usual tarot card titles. It is believed by some to have been produced for Pope Pius II during the Congress of Mantua in 1459: the cards depict allegorical and philosophical themes and are divided into 5 sections: The human condition; Apollo and the Muses; The Arts and Sciences; The Geniuses and Virtues; the Planet and Celestial Spheres. These topics suggest an aide memoir used in 15th century Italy. The 25 separate cards have two smaller images on each with a word of interpretation on each. 

It is a rare, original and wonderful joy to handle these cards with their magnificent artwork and superb quality production. I think you will love this deck! I would say, however, that if the card game does not suit the purchaser, the cards can be used to compose your own meanings for inspirational readings. Magnifique!

Review by Wendy Stokes www.wendystokes.co.uk