Visconti Tarot Cards

Hand-painted, gold and silver tarot cards, ca. 1428-1447. Originally commissioned in the 15th century by the Viscontis, a Milanese family that dominated the cultural life of northern Italy in the 14th and 15th centuries, this deck is one of the oldest sets in existence. The cards are attributed to Bonifacio Bembo, an Italian fresco artist who flourished between 1447-1478. The deck includes eleven trump cards, six court cards, including the King, Queen, Male Knight, Female Knight, Male Valet, and Female Valet, as well as the unusual addition of the three Theological Virtues, Faith, Hope and Charity. The unique addition of the female knight and valet may be an indication that this set was intended to be used by a female member of court. Read more on the library website: