Soprafino

The record

First of all, I should assert at the very outset that this review comes with a forewarning. Much as I would like to think that a good review offers an even-handed, balanced critique, outlining all the good aspects and all the negative aspects, in this case, I simply cannot offer a so-called balanced review, in keeping with tradition. I just can’t do it; the reason being that this is quite simply the most beautiful deck in the history of tarot, and I have no qualms about saying so (my opinion, of course). Whether it is a good reading deck or not will invariably depend upon each individual, but in the history of tarot art, this deck is quite simply up there in a league of its own. This is a Meneghello limited edition reproduction of the definitive “soprafino” deck, an Italian word denoting a rare and precious style. The word literally means “super fine” which might translate as “ultra refined” or “excessively elegant” (this is how I translate it to myself and does, I think, sum it up), and was originally published by Gumppenberg in Milan. Looking at the King of Batons, the name of the engraver C. Dellarocca is inscribed on a plinth, and the accompanying card, bearing which number you

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