Mantegna Tarocchi

The beautiful Italian Renaissance engravings known as the ‘Mantegna Tarocchi’ are no longer believed to have been produced by Andrea Mantegna (1431-1506) but they remain prime specimen of Italian Renaissance engraving. Probably made in Ferrara, the "Mantegna Tarocchi" provide a model of the Renaissance cosmos.

The Cosmic Principles and Seven Virtues (E Series 31) - Iliaco

Iliaco is the genius of light and heads the series of the Cosmic Principles and Seven Virtues. An angel holds the sun and moon aloft, the symbol of the rebis. The trees in the background may symbolize the Forest of the Sages; the trees are also present in the next two images, of Chronico and Cosmico. The allegory of these three genii is altogether new and not to be found elsewhere. All three are winged creatures. Heading the series of the Seven Virtues, they also recall the symbolism of de “Trinity and the chain of being” of Renaissance philosophers, notably Marsilio Ficino. Dürer was inspired by this figure for two drawings of Apollo.

The engravings and abridged explanations are taken from: “Suite d'estampes de la Renaissance Italienne dite Tarots de Mantegna ou jeu du monde au quattrocento vers 1465”, eds. Gisèle Lambert & François Trojani. Garches: Editions Arnaud Seydoux, 1985
See also: http://www.corax.com/tarot
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