Decameron Tarot Deck

Decameron Tarot Deck - erotic illustrations within the traditional tarot structure

Not every tarot deck wants to be polite. This deck is built on the tales of Giovanni Boccaccio, in which human desire and the pleasures of the body are explored at length. The Decameron Tarot translates that into images that hide nothing.

The deck is drawn by Giacinto Gaudenzi, in collaboration with Luciano Spadanuda. The illustrations show sexuality in multiple forms: lust, seduction, adultery, remorse. Nudity, intimacy and physical acts are present on nearly every card. The style is realistic and detailed, with attention to body shapes and facial expressions.

What you see on the cards

The illustrations are classical in structure, with a medieval atmosphere that suits Boccaccio's stories. Many scenes take place in beds, gardens or rooms with curtains and wooden furniture. The colour palettes are warm: much skin tone, red, gold and brown.

The cards follow the traditional Rider-Waite structure. The Major and Minor Arcana are all illustrated, which means you can use the deck for spreads and interpretations just as you are used to. The difference lies not in the structure, but in the visual language.

Some images are directly erotic. Others play with ambiguity or humour. There is a lightness in many scenes, a nod to the mockery also present in Boccaccio's texts.

Who this works for

This deck is designed for an adult audience. The images are explicit. If you want to use tarot for questions about intimacy, relationships or bodily expression, the visual language can help open a conversation. Some therapists use this deck precisely because the directness of the imagery makes it easier to talk about difficult topics.

It is not a deck for everyone. If you are looking for symbolism that works subtly or cards you can use in any setting, this is not the right choice. The focus is entirely on the physical and the earthly.

The guidebook contains basic interpretations per card, but does not explain why certain scenes are illustrated as they are. You have to fill in that context yourself or look it up in Boccaccio's work.

About Giacinto Gaudenzi and Luciano Spadanuda

Giacinto Gaudenzi is an Italian illustrator known for his detailed and expressive drawing style. His work for this deck balances between artistic and transgressive.

Luciano Spadanuda contributed to the conceptual side of the project, particularly around the thematic choices within Boccaccio's tales.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78 (full tarot set)
• Size: 66 x 120 mm
• Weight: 230 g
• Guidebook: multilingual (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish)
• Publisher: Lo Scarabeo
• ISBN: 9788883953606
• Illustrator: Giacinto Gaudenzi
• Concept: Luciano Spadanuda
• Card quality: sturdy smooth cardstock

Questions we often get

Does this deck follow the traditional tarot structure?
Yes. It has 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana, divided over four suits. The structure is the same as a classic Rider-Waite deck. Only the visual language differs.

Is there an English guidebook included?
Yes. The guidebook is multilingual and includes English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.