Valentina Tarot – An Artistic Journey into the Dreamlike World of Guido Crepax
The Valentina Tarot is a masterpiece of elegance and narrative, blending the world of high art with the ancient wisdom of the tarot. Inspired by the iconic comic book character Valentina, created by the legendary Guido Crepax, this 78-card deck offers a dynamic and sophisticated reading experience. The art style is refined and vivid, interpreting traditional Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism through a dreamlike, cinematic lens where reality and imagination blur.
About this Deck
Created through a collaboration between the Crepax estate and tarot experts, this deck brings the sophisticated "vibe" of 1960s and 70s Italian comic art to the divination table. Each card tells a story, featuring Valentina as she interacts with the archetypes of the Major and Minor Arcana. The visual style is chic, atmospheric, and deeply expressive, making every draw feel like a journey through a refined, surrealist landscape.
Symbolism and Themes
Valentina’s journey through the cards is one of exploration, self-discovery, and psychological depth. While the deck honors the core structures of the Rider-Waite-Smith system, it reinvents familiar archetypes through the lens of modern art. Themes of sensuality, independence, and the blurring of dreams and reality are woven into the imagery, inviting the reader to explore their own subconscious through a beautifully stylized aesthetic.
The Creators
Guido Crepax
An Italian visionary and one of the most influential comic book artists of the 20th century. Crepax is celebrated for his refined style and his ability to push the boundaries of visual storytelling and fashion-forward illustration.
Pietro Alligo and Antonio Crepax
These curators worked meticulously to ensure that Guido’s legacy and the essence of Valentina were perfectly translated into the tarot structure, maintaining the artistic integrity of the original illustrations.
Practical Use
Printed on high-quality, durable card stock, the Valentina Tarot is designed for both frequent use and aesthetic appreciation. The deck's standard dimensions ensure a comfortable shuffle, while the included multilingual booklet provides a helpful overview of the card meanings, making it a versatile tool for any practice.
To deepen your connection with this deck, try reading the cards as if they were frames in a storyboard. Let Valentina's posture and the "camera angle" of the illustration inform the emotional tone of your reading.
Features
- Number of cards: 78
- Language: Multilingual (including English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German)
- ISBN: 9780738769547
- Publisher: Lo Scarabeo
- Weight: 400 g
- Dimensions: 70 x 120 mm
Expert FAQ
Is the Valentina Tarot suitable for beginners?
Yes. Because it is based on the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism, beginners will find it accessible. The artistic flair adds a layer of depth, but the core meanings remain recognizable.
What is the artistic style of this deck?
The deck features "Crepax style"—a sophisticated blend of fine-line work, cinematic framing, and a dreamlike atmosphere typical of high-end Italian graphic novels.
Does the deck come with a guidebook?
Yes, it includes a multilingual booklet that provides insightful interpretations and an overview of the deck’s unique narrative approach, making it easy to start reading immediately.
