• Restored original textured version
• High definition restoration of the original
• Almost all imperfections repaired
• Colours and details accurately reproduced 1:1 from the originals
• A must have for any tarot card enthusiast

The first recorded Tarot cards were found in northern Italy in the fifteenth century. At that time, the four suits were supplemented by trumps with allegorical illustrations. Over the years, the deck evolved, culminating in classic decks such as the ‘Tarot of Marseilles’. Although almost all current tarot decks can be considered descendants of the Marseille Tarot, there are also ancient branches that have developed independently. The most unusual of these is the Belgian Tarot, which developed in parallel with the Tarot de Marseille and flourished in the 18th century.

Historically referred to as “Cartes de Suisses,” the Belgian tarots share similarities with the Tarot de Marseille.This deck embodies a fascinating hybrid pattern, blending features from both the Bologna-like Italian tarot and the Tarot de Marseille, reflecting their geographical overlap in the 17th century.

Discover the enchanting Vandenborre Tarot, a meticulously reproduced deck published in Brussels, Belgium, in 1780. Also known as the Flemish Tarot, this deck is a remarkable representation of Belgian tarot traditions.

The trumps, for their part, are presented in an ancient style very different from that of the Tarot of Marseilles, the Pope and Popess have been replaced by the lively figures of “Bacchus” and the “Spanish Captain Fracasse” from the Commedia dell’arte.the head of the hanged man is turned upwards, the high tower is transformed into a lightning bolt, Temperance, the Devil, the Stars, the Moon, and the Sun, are presented in an entirely different style, and it is said that A. E. Waite and Pamela Colman Smith took reference from the Sun card of the deck in designing of Rider–Waite Tarot.

The Court cards are much more interestingly drawn, and in comparison with the Marseilles are more spirited in style, with the faces of the figures more prominent, and with a lot of rich and playful detail added. It is worth noting that, like the trumps, they are presented in the exact opposite direction to the Marseille Tarot. The figures are painted in the same exuberant style, with a great deal of personality in their attention to detail, and they are large, sturdy and have a powerful presence that can be felt as a powerful flow of energy.

In this restoration, the technique of old photo restoration was used to repair the phenomenon of yellowing of the paper and a number of stains and blemishes, etc. Through the cross-referencing of several versions, the colours have been accurately filled in and the original colouring texture of the work has been completely restored, completely avoiding the problems of mute colours and unnatural transitions that existed in the other versions.

Comparing the line drawings that have survived so far, all the missing details in the original were filled in, while focusing on maintaining the original flavour of the original work to ensure that the final restoration result is clear and natural, bringing back the glory of this unique style of tarot deck.

Immerse yourself in the rich history and artistry of the Vandenborre Tarot deck, perfect for both collectors and enthusiasts alike.