A masterpiece of Renaissance art painting
It is the most famous Tarot and was painted around 1450 to celebrate the conquest of power in Milan by Francesco Sforza and his wife Bianca Maria Visconti, daughter of Duke Filippo Maria.
The Dukes of Milan had at their court genius artists such as Leonardo da Vinci.
The Visconti-Sforza Tarot is a masterpiece of Renaissance art that has never before been reproduced in full size, using gold and silver leaf, with images of the highest resolution, stochastic plotting and exquisite fine facsimile reproduction quality.
Unique fine facsimile reproduction with official authorization by Patrimonio Ediciones
The Visconti-Sforza Tarot reproduction by Patrimonio Ediciones is the only fine facsimile replica that has been officially authorized by the museums that own the original cards. It’s signed by means of an exclusive contract with The Morgan Library & Museum, Accademia de Carrara and Count Alessandro Colleoni.
Visconti-Sforza Tarot Cards: History, Art and Exclusive Reproduction
The Visconti-Sforza Tarot is one of the oldest and most valuable Tarot cards in the world. It was created in the 15th century for the noble family of Milan. This masterpiece of Renaissance art is not only a testimony to the history of tarot and art, but also an expression of the luxury and sophistication of the time.
Origin and History of the Visconti-Sforza Tarot
Commissioned by Filippo Maria Visconti and subsequently enriched under the dynasty of Francesco Sforz. This Tarot cards was designed as a symbol of power and refinement. Its illustrations were created using medieval miniature techniques, with gold and silver used to highlight the details.
It is believed that the Visconti-Sforza Tarot was not originally created for divination, but as an object for aristocratic entertainment and collection. However, over time, its cards influenced the designs of later tarot decks, including the Tarot de Marseille and other esoteric works.
Artistic characteristics
- Renaissance illuminations: Hand-painted with natural pigments, gold and silver leaf.
- Detailed figures: Representations of the Milanese nobility in period dress.
- Large cards: Larger than modern decks, enhancing their majesty.
- Unique symbology: Some arcana have variations from traditional tarot.
- Painted by Bonifacio Bembo, Francesco Zavattari and Giovanni de Paolo.
The origin of the Tarot
The tarot is an extension of the symbolic experiences of our unconscious. No one knows exactly where it originated, but what is clear is that it was guided by the collective unconscious of the people of Europe. And that is precisely where its magic lies.
In the Middle East and Europe, from the time of Alexander the Great until the Renaissance, what we know today as Tarot was formulated. The most famous is the Visconti-Sforza as the first deck to be almost completely preserved.
Aesthetically speaking, this tarot is the most beautiful and its illustrations depict members of the Visconti-Sforza family, dukes of Milan. Four of the Tarot cards were lost and we reconstructed them by means of a recreation of the brilliant Giovanni de Paolo. He has pictorial works in The National Gallery in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and other important museums.
Exclusive Reproduction by Patrimonio Ediciones
Patrimonio Ediciones has created a fine facsimile reproduction of this iconic deck. We ised techniques that respect the essence of the original design. Each copy is a limited edition, made with the absolute fidelity to the materials of the period, including gold and silver leaf and meticulously restored details.
This fine facsimile allows collectors and tarot lovers to enjoy a unique historical piece, blending art, history, and mysticism into a timeless work.
