The upcoming exhibition at The Morgan Library & Museum, titled Tarot! Renaissance Symbols, Modern Visions, invites visitors to explore the fascinating world of tarot cards, a medium that intertwines art and divination. While the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, illustrated by Pamela Coleman Smith over a century ago, is arguably the most recognized, it represents just a fraction of the rich history that tarot encompasses.
This exhibition showcases some of the earliest tarot decks, including three remarkable examples from the 15th century, created for the Dukes of Milan. These decks reflect the vibrant culture of the Italian court, highlighting how their imagery has evolved and influenced contemporary fortune-telling practices.
A complementary display features modern interpretations of tarot by 20th-century artists. Notable contributors include Surrealists such as André Breton, Victor Brauner, and Remedios Varo. The connection between these artists and tarot is profound; for instance, Leonora Carrington designed a gilded tarot deck in the 1950s, while Salvador Dalí also crafted his unique version of tarot cards.
Through this exhibition, Tarot! Renaissance Symbols, Modern Visions illustrates how artists have utilized tarot as a means to transcend the constraints of modernist aesthetics, allowing them to delve into alternative realms and creative possibilities. Accompanying the exhibition is a catalog available for purchase at The Morgan's shop. Visitors can experience this captivating showcase from June 26 to October 4 in New York.
This exploration of tarot not only highlights its artistic significance but also encourages a deeper understanding of how such practices can inspire creativity and imagination in the contemporary world.