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I am not a huge fan of art nouveau but I do like these illustrations because they are so dynamic. Symmetry is
broken by fluid, convoluted shapes, and complex areas are contrasted against flat washes of color. The human form
is also extremely well drawn, and costumes drape across the bodies like flowing water.
Though the designs appear more ornate than symbolic, the minor arcana do show a distant influence from the Waite-Smith
designs. The little booklet helps by giving brief but interesting comments for each card. I get the impression,
though, that the writer was trying too hard to find connections between traditional pip meanings and the cards
in this deck, which in fact depict scenes and expressions that are largely ambiguous.
The description for the Five of Cups says “This card represents the extreme fear leading to wrong and sometimes
ruinous actions.” The Ace of Swords describes “The shadow of sufferance flutters over triumph achieved through
growing. This card represents the maximum to be achieved in any sphere, conquest and victory, but always remembering
the tribulations that were necessary for success.”
Several of the Trumps take departures from tradition which seem more aesthetic than symbolic. The Sun and
The Moon cards emphasize their respective masculinity and femininity. Trump XIII shows a nice rendition
of Death taking off a demonic mask to reveal her less threatening persona. This is not a deck of deep philosophical
secrets – everything here is on the surface.
Whereas the interpretations for the pips suggest what the characters may be thinking or feeling, those for the
Trumps are plain and simple. The Moon description reads “This card represents visions, imagination, travel,
melancholy, and attraction for the unknown.” The Sun gives “This card represents happiness, friendship,
sincerity, love, success, harmony and glory.”
The deck is an excellent showcase of the art nouveau style, and is currently available from a variety of sources.
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