Roberto Viesi

The record

This spectacular Major Arcana by Roberto Viesi is a reimagining of the Tarot de Marseilles’ Major Arcana. The artist has elected to maintain all the characteristics, shapes, symbols, and colours depicted in the classic Marseilles tarot - this preserves the integrity of the ‘expectations’ imbued in the cards. The artwork is a unique style - a curious amalgam of quasi-Cubism, peasant art, and stained glass, which is nonetheless exquisite and deeply detailed. While the art is strongly influenced by the Marseilles deck it also less rustic, far more modern, smooth and deft. The colours in this Arcana are subtle and serene without being weak or wishy-washy. The fine line work clearly delineates the images, and is continued in the beautifully textured details – the grass, trees, stones, wood grains, clouds, fur and feathers are all carefully depicted. Believe me when I say that no computer scan or reproduction can do justice to the fine details and delicate colouring in these cards. Each image has its own individual border, tiny symbols, relevant to the main image i.e. The High Priestess image is bordered by tiny crescent moons and solar crosses; The Devil – tiny pentagrams and pitchforks

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