Jean Noblet
Reconstruction of oldest known Marseille-style tarot from 1650 Paris archive original.
by JC Flornoy · 2007
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The record
The "Jean Noblet Tarot" is thought to be the oldest known of the Marseille-style Tarot decks, originating in Paris, c. 1650. The only existing copy of this deck is currently preserved in the French National Library in Paris. It is a nearly complete deck, missing only the Six through Ten of Swords. This 78 card edition is a restoration done by noted French Tarot historian and artist Jean-Claude Flornoy. The missing cards have been recreated by Flornoy in conformance with the remainder of the deck, and after consulting contemporary designs. Flornoy has spent many years working with the following traditional Marseille style Tarot decks (preserved in the French National Library): the "Tarot of Jean Noblet", the "Tarot of Jacques Vieville", the "Tarot of Jean Dodal", and the "Tarot of Nicolas Conver". It is his view that these decks are the foundation and source of all modern decks. The current edition of the "Jean Noblet Tarot" consists of a full 78 card deck, along with a 64 page pamphlet (which is available in either English or French). The LWB (Little White Book) includes a history of the Tarot, an overview of the background of the "Jean Noblet Tarot", and commentaries on the Major
The cards
