Tarot Arnoux & Amphoux 1801

Tarot Arnoux & Amphoux 1801 - facsimile of a rare Marseille deck

Some tarot decks were a century too early. The Tarot Arnoux & Amphoux from 1801 stands out for its graphic sharpness and geometric approach, while most Marseille decks from that period still looked softer and more artisanal.

This facsimile edition is based on one of the few fully preserved copies from the early 19th century. The deck was made by Arnoux and Amphoux, two master cardmakers from Marseille whose work was distinguished by precision and a clear vision of colour and form.

What you see on the cards

The cards are printed in bright primary colours: red, yellow, blue, green. No subtle transitions, just clean blocks of colour. The lines are sharp and geometric. Figures stand frontal or in profile, without much movement.

It is a classic Marseille deck, but it feels different from, say, the Noblet or the Dodal. Where those decks are softer and a bit rougher, this one has something tighter about it. The compositions are almost cubist, though cubism would not emerge for another century.

The minor arcana are unillustrated, as is standard in the Marseille tradition. You see the number of symbols (swords, wands, cups, coins) in a pattern, sometimes with decorative elements.

Who this deck works for

This is not a starter deck. If you have no experience with Marseille tarot, the unillustrated minor arcana are difficult to read. The major arcana, however, are clear and powerful, with symbols that come through directly.

The deck is published in a limited edition of 1500 copies. That makes it interesting for collectors, especially since the original from 1801 is so rare. The cards measure 70 x 120 mm, a traditional size that shuffles and lays well.

Lay the cards next to another Marseille deck, such as the Conver or the Noblet, and you immediately see how differently Arnoux and Amphoux worked. Tighter, flatter, more geometric.

What comes with it

The deck includes two extra cards with historical information in English and French. No extensive guidebook, just context about the origin of the deck and the reproduction process. You read how the original was preserved and why this edition was made.

About Arnoux and Amphoux

Arnoux and Amphoux were cardmakers in Marseille at the beginning of the 19th century. Their work was known for technical precision and a clear graphic style. This deck from 1801 is one of the few fully preserved examples of their production.

Little is known about their personal lives. What remains is their work: cards that were modern at the time and now historically interesting.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78 plus 2 information cards
• Format: 70 x 120 mm
• Information language: English and French
• Publisher: U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
• Edition: limited to 1500 copies worldwide
• Type: facsimile edition of 1801 original

Questions we often get

How does this deck differ from other Marseille decks?
The graphic style is tighter and more geometric than most Marseille decks from the same period. The colours are vivid, the lines sharp, the compositions almost modern. It feels different from the Noblet or the Dodal, which look softer and more artisanal.

Does it come with a guidebook?
No. You get two information cards with historical context in English and French. No instructions for spreads or card meanings. This deck assumes you already know how to work with Marseille tarot.