Universal
Refined, realistic reworking of Rider-Waite imagery with contemporary polish.
by Roberto de Angelis · 2003
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The record
Looking for a Rider-Waite style tarot deck but not keen on Pamela Colman-Smith's original drawings? Take a look at the Universal Tarot, a deck in which the legendary images have been reinterpreted in a more refined, realistic and modern style. Redrawn by Roberto de Angelis, an Italian painter and comic illustrator, the Universal Tarot keeps closely to Rider-Waite imagery and esoteric symbolism but does not exactly replicate the art in the way of clone decks like the Albano-Waite Tarot or the Colman-Smith Tarot. The symbols, layout and scenic positions of the Universal Tarot are very similar to the Rider-Waite, but the pen-and-ink lines have been drawn with a lighter hand than the standard RW and the colours are paler, more real. There is also more detail in the images, as though the focus had been sharpened. Faces have more individuality, the sky has blended colour variations, extra objects have been added and the perspective sometimes changes to give the cards a more photo realistic illustrated effect. Fashion styles and people have a more dramatic, Italian look. The tarot scenes are constrained by a thin white border, on which the titles and numbers are printed in pale blue ink.
The cards
