Tarocchi Marsigliesi Fratelli Recchi - reproduction of an Italian original from 1830
Not every historical deck has made the jump to the 21st century. This one has. The Tarocchi Marsigliesi Fratelli Recchi is a philological reproduction of the original printed in 1830 by the Recchi brothers in Oneglia and Turin, two cities in northwestern Italy with a solid tarot tradition.
The word 'philological' is not decoration here. It means that every line, every colour and every detail of the original print has been copied as accurately as possible. No modern interpretation, no polishing. What you see is what was printed in 1830.
What you see on the cards
The imagery follows the Marseille tradition: firm outlines, flat colours in red, blue, yellow and green, and a figure style that looks rigid and geometric. The Major Arcana show the classic figures such as Le Bateleur, La Papesse and Le Chariot. The Minor Arcana are not illustrated with scenes, but consist of repeated symbols: wands, cups, swords and coins.
The lines are not equally sharp everywhere. This is because the original was printed with woodcuts, a technique that brings small irregularities and shifts. Those 'imperfections' have also been preserved here.
The cards measure 65 x 115 mm, a compact format that fits well in the hand and matches the proportions of historical decks from that period.
Who this deck works for
This is not a beginner deck. The Minor Arcana without scenes require knowledge of number symbolism and elemental theory. Those used to Rider-Waite imagery will need to adjust.
It is a strong deck for anyone who wants to study or work with the Marseille tradition as it was practised in the 19th century. The reproduction offers a direct look at what tarot cards looked like then, without the intervention of later styles or reinterpretations.
Collectors value the numbered edition of 3999 copies. Each copy carries a number, which makes the edition scarce and traceable.
Handle the cards with care. Lay them down on a soft surface and avoid sharp edges or rough surfaces while shuffling. The reproduction is made to be used, but the historical details deserve respect.
About the Recchi brothers
The Fratelli Recchi were printers and publishers in Oneglia and Turin in the first half of the 19th century. Their work with tarot cards contributed to the spread of the Marseille style in northern Italy, a region where tarot was used both as a game and as a tool for divination.
Much of their original production has been lost or exists only in museum collections. This reproduction is based on one of the few complete sets that have been preserved.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78 (22 Major Arcana, 56 Minor Arcana)
- Card size: 65 x 115 mm
- Language: Italian
- Edition: Numbered edition of 3999 copies
- Guidebook: Included, with historical background information
- ISBN: 9780738775999
- Original printers: Fratelli Recchi, Oneglia and Turin, 1830
Questions we often get
What does 'philological reproduction' mean exactly?
It means the cards are a scientifically responsible copy of the historical original. Colours, lines and even small irregularities from the 1830 printing process have been taken over. Nothing has been modernised or interpreted.
Are the Minor Arcana illustrated with scenes?
No. As is customary in the Marseille tradition, the Minor Arcana show only repeated symbols: one to ten wands, cups, swords or coins per card, plus the court cards. There are no narrative scenes as in the Rider-Waite deck.
