Tarot of Marseille - Professional Edition - historical design in extra large format
Most Marseille decks fit in your hand. This edition does not. The cards measure 10 by 20 centimetres, which makes them suitable for anyone who wants others to look along during consultations, classes or demonstrations.
The design is based on the Nicolas Conver version from around 1760, one of the most commonly used sources for the Marseille tradition. Lo Scarabeo has scaled up that version and printed it on extra sturdy cardstock. The woodcut style and primary colours remain unchanged.
What you see on the cards
The lines are sharp and the colours clear: red, blue, yellow, green. No blurred edges or unclear details. The format makes every element larger and more visible.
The cards carry the traditional French names: Le Bateleur, La Papesse, L'Imperatrice. The Minor Arcana have no titles, only the number of wands, swords, cups or pentacles and possibly the court rank.
The symbolism stays strictly traditional. No added elements, no modern interpretations. This is the Marseille tarot as it has been handed down for centuries.
Who this format works for
This deck is designed for professionals who lay the cards out on a table and want others to be able to see them. During workshops, demonstrations or group readings, the format is an advantage.
Shuffling in your hand takes some adjustment. The cards are twice as tall as a standard deck. Many users choose to shuffle them on a table or in smaller stacks.
Lay the cards face up on the table during a reading. It makes the conversation more direct and gives the querent space to notice details themselves.
About Nicolas Conver and Lo Scarabeo
Nicolas Conver was a cardmaker from Marseille. Around 1760 he designed a tarot deck that later became the standard reference for the entire Marseille current.
Lo Scarabeo, an Italian publisher, specialises in restoring and publishing historical tarot decks. They work with archival material and ensure the original style is preserved as faithfully as possible.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78
- Card size: 100 x 200 mm
- Cardstock quality: extra sturdy, suitable for intensive use
- Card language: French
- Guidebook language: English
- Publisher: Lo Scarabeo
- Design: based on Nicolas Conver, circa 1760
- Packaging: solid storage box
Questions we often get
Are these cards too large to shuffle in your hand?
That depends on your hand size. Most people shuffle them on a table or in smaller stacks. The format is intended for use on a table, not for manual shuffling like a standard deck.
Does the symbolism differ from a regular Marseille tarot?
No. The symbolism is identical to the Conver design. The only difference is the format and the quality of the cardstock.
