XIII

The record

There is an ongoing trend among tarot publishers for creating decks that showcase the works of artists. They range from such well-known painters as Gustav Klimt, Alphonse Mucha, and Salvador Dali to well-known fantasy artists and illustrators such as Nicoletta Ceccoli, Anne Stokes, Joseph Vargo, and now Spanish and digital artist Nekro. Nekro has a consistent body of work so there is a better sense of continuity with these images then in many other showcase decks. Nekro's works are generally monochromatic photo compositions highlighted with splashes of colour – in the case of the VIII Tarot – shades of gray with flashes of blood red. Readers of fantasy novels may be familiar with many of Nekro's, illustrations – a hybrid of Steampunk meets Bram Stoker's Dracula (the movie) – a style both Gothic and Baroque with an undercurrent of biomechanics. Nekro's artworks are heavily detailed and close inspection of his images revealed just how finely and elaborately embellished each image is. Use of desaturated colour gives his works a slightly sinister air and an aura of gloom and mystery. This is a 78 card deck with 22 Major Arcana and 22 Minor Arcana – only the Major Arcana and the Court c

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