Tarot de Marseille of Jean Noblet (1650)
This version of the tarot was published in Paris in 1650 by the master c artier Jean Noblet. (There is no time left on the 2 pieces of Deniers, so we do not have the exact date of publication of this tarot). The Tarot is the ancestor the farthest of all so-called Tarot "Marseille". An original specimen of the Tarot of Je an Noblet, is kept at the National Library in Paris. In this sample, all the assets and the characters are present and most o f the minor arcana. There are only five cards missing: ie, the blades of 6 to 10 of the sequence of o f Swords. The Tarot Noblet was (with the Tarot de Paris Anonymous) a first annotated tarot, that is to say, displaying names for the blades, is also one of the few to have tarot the "DEATH" to designate the Arcane 13, called "the Arcanum without name". This suggests that this is how this blade is designated, the time when the names were not indicated. For cons, the card makers almost immediately withdraw the "Death" because everyone is able to deduce the name unnecessarily it is indicated on the blade. It must be understood that this was a matter related to the superstitions of the time. The name of the dead is a name that it was better not to "rule" or "say out loud" .... Finally, the "Arcane unnamed" has always been direct ly associated with Death. The Tarot Noblet is also known for his "CRAZY", yet it appears that this is the first name that appeared to describe the character of this card. Noblet certainly refers to these "crazy" these entertainers once nicknamed "Fou du Roi". "THE MAD" was replaced by "THE FOL" in 1701, with the Tarot of Jean Dodal. This proves that copied his Dodal Tarot a Tarot designed originally by the cartier s Roblichon family in Lyon around 1680. (see: THE TAROT AND JEAN Dodal MYSTERIES). It is surprising, too, to see that Noblet in 1650 used a more mod ern name as Roblichon and Dodal (16801701)! As for the unusual term "MAST", this name will appear first on the Tarot of Pierre Madenié, the "master" of card makers masters. His Tarot was "the rule of the masters", the "Tarot model." That is why from the tarot Madenié Pierre (1708) new term "MAT" is most oft en used. Swiss card maker such as François Heri, also used the name "MAST" for this arcane without number. And finally, the most important neighborhood of Marseilles, François chosson also use the term MAST for this blade. This is probably what explains why the term "MAST" became the name for this arcane regarding the tradition of Marseille tarot. Note also that the animal on the Arcane "THE MAD" is, for some tarot readers a cat rather than a dog. There even has to offer be it a stone marten, a weasel, a ferret ... Some suggest a lynx. It appears that little by little this animal was confused and turned into a "dog" as a companion of crazy ... They lead us to see The Fool as a pilgrim with his pet it which is a wrong interpretation ... I lean more on the side of a wild animal, a cat, a cat or a lynx. I think The Fool represents r epresents a "carefree", closer to the wildlife than life "civilized". And whatever this animal, no doubt trying to prevent this re ckless he heads straight for a pit!
Another feature of this game is its small size, its almost square stubby blades are like "Gothic" churches reminiscent of stained glass, and iconography new tarot! Compared to all the tarot cards had existed before him, the Tarot of Jean Noblet completely revised and corrected before the tarot cards! If he repeats the same themes as the Tarot of Jacques Viéville (contemporary) puts new character on stage, operates considerable changes as the reversal of certain characters, and especially it completely replaces the illustrations Arcane: 14 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 ... (Temperance, Devil, House of God, The Star , The Moon, The Sun). This shows how changes and innovations brought Jean Noblet tarot. And whereas it is the first to have affixed names, and is the inventor of the new icons of the tarot will become the Tarot said "of Marseilles" is understood here that Jean Noblet is the father of Tarot Marseille. The tarot reader, craftsman-cartier, Jean-Claude Flornoy believes that some cards, for e xample, THE DEVIL, THE WORLD and THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE-seems to be the work of a student rather than a teacher. I also believe that the Tarot Noblet is the work of craftsmen, or a craftsman, one or a few employees of Jean Noblet ... Compared Tarot of Jean Noblet Tarot of Jacques Viéville were immediately notice the Viéville was engraved masterfully! While Noblet is cheesy, more "artisanal". However, Jean Noblet tarot designed a completely new and apart from revealing that the Tarot was known to "insiders". The tarot Noblet updates several elements which are essentially elements "initiation". This is undoubtedly the first "ancestor of the Tarot de Marseille", first of tradition and unquestionable only true authentic compliant tarot reading, the tar ot historians still seek while he is there, obviously! The Tarot Noblet does not inspire other tarot outstanding at the same time in Paris or elsewhere in France ... It has no real connection with the Viéville or anonymous in Paris. They all have the same distant origins, but are not the same tarot family In truth, Noblet tarot does not want a tarot "modern", but rather "a medieval tarot" respectful and consistent with "tarot origins", designed by former "fellow craftsmen"! T he tarot Jean Noblet tarot is a true insider! For proof, it does not follow the model of Viéville (which mimics the tarot Alsace), but rather up to the older models of northern Italy! Yes ! And with a lot of sarcasm and naughty allusions! What some consider to be "inconsistencies" are in truth all elements deliberately underlined or set as a cartoon make this a much initiatory tarot game clear and precise and expressive. Do not doubt the appearance "esoteric" tarot Jean Noblet. Here are some unusual elements, not trivial: First, LE FOU trousers down by this curious feline, and where sex is seen. In addition, at the end of his walking stick FOU, there is a sculpted head as a head. Then ... it BATELEUR brandishing a curious flute "phallic". We also note 3 dice o n the table.
The cross on the globes scepters of EMPRESS and THE EMPEROR are different and suggests that these characters do not rule the same "empire". EMPRESS brandished a "Maltese cross", while The Emperor wields a "Cross trefoil". POPE wears gloves displaying a cross ... The Cupid of the Arcane of THE LOVER, blindfolded ... Death of BLADE NO NAME mowing, kings, queens, popes etc ... (as the illustrations of ancient tarot Milan) ... JUSTICE TEMPERANCE and are illustrated with angel wings! The Devil of Tarot Noblet curiously matches the symbolism of the "Baphomet". LA MAISON DIEU, an invention wholly original Noblet, yet once inspired the ancient Italian Milanese tarot. But this time with a clear hint about the Tower of Babel and the "wrath of heaven" (or "God"). Ensign, (LESTOILLE) a young squatting naked girl who pours two amphorae near a watercourse. This illustration is completely new! This is the first time that this Arcanum sees illustrated by the unusual character that is sometimes associated with Venus Astartée. (Note: There is no bird in t he bush). The Iconography of the arcana of the Moon is an original invention of Noblet! It is the arcane made with the most obvious knowledge of the esoteric tradition! One notices the "two tight schools of the Magi", the "crayfish", and countless details that went to the se cret world of the initiates. Same again for the arcane "SUN", another example which is another original invention of Noblet! Illustration of a scene between Romus and Romulus, under the Mediterranean sun! On the 'esoteric' perspective, when compared to the Viéville tarot, we especially note the striking difference between the blades 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. It is surprising to see that completely Noblet rethought these mysteries, but with much learning (despite their astounding simplicity). For example... Viéville The Tarot offers us a "Astronomer" for the Arcanum 17 of the STAR ... Noblet proposes a "Deity," or if the "personification of a celestial avatar" ... W hat makes proof of detailed knowledge of esotericism. And yet, Vieville offers a "spinner" to t he arcana of the Moon, while Noblet offers this curious scene featuring a "crayfish" and two dogs in a radiant moon. It did no less for the Tarot becomes an initiatory tool or instrument of divination! Viéville proposes a "naked rider" under the sun, to the arcane 19. While Noblet offers us an eloquent staging, which immediately excites the imagination and inspires stories ... The tarot Noblet is simple, naive, seems insignificant, but in trut h, it is dangerously expansive, exuberant and naughty ...
If there was no doubt designed to satisfy players Tarot (a popular game in Paris at that time already), for cons, it is clear that the Tarot Noblet stood out for many reasons: its small size, its annotated slides, new versions Arcane 14 to 19. Of all the Tarot, that of Noblet is certainly the most essential. It turns o ut an inexhaustible source of knowledge. It is truly operational, absolutely magical and rogue. There is no more authentic tarot and more proudly spreads the knowledge-how and initiatory secrets of fellow craftsmen-card makers. For sure, this is THE tarot all tarot readers and tarot historians will have to study thoroughly loan. As for and a divination tool outstanding! Unfortunately, the facsimiles of the tarot can only propose a game with colors and lines look tired. Obviously in this case we must fall back on refurbished or redesigned games. For now there is only one that is available, and fortunately well realized is the tarot redesigned by Jean-Claude Flornoy has revolutionized the fields of tarology and taromancie.
