Italy hosts cultural events exploring the history and art of Tarot

Various cultural events in Italy are exploring the historical and artistic evolution of Tarot cards. In Maratea, the exhibition ‘Dal mago al matto – I 22 Arcani Maggiori’ is on display at Villa Tarantini until August 31. The exhibition features twenty years of research and creations by artist Carlo Perretti, focusing on the graphic and historical aspects of the Major Arcana.

In Trapani, the event ‘Arcani sotto le stelle’ was held at the Torre di Ligny as part of the Notti di BCsicilia program. The session examined the transition of Tarot cards from Renaissance-era Italian playing cards and luxury court objects to their later association with divination. Historical context provided during the event traced the origins of card games from 9th-century China through their arrival in Europe via Middle Eastern trade routes, noting their eventual development into the ‘triumphs’ seen in 15th-century Northern Italy.