Cottage Place Gallery

Tarot cards first appeared in Italy in the mid-15th century, when a special suit of pictorial "triumphs" was added to a standard deck of playing cards. They were initially used only for playing a variety of trick-taking games that are similar to modern Bridge. The game was very popular, and spread throughout Europe. Current evidence suggests that in the 18th century people also began to use them for divination. Since then, many fine artists have been inspired by the archetypal imagery found within the traditional pack of cards to create their own interpretations. The examples on display in the Cottage Place Gallery now through September 22nd are pulled from sets of limited edition artists’ prints, portfolios, books and handmade tarot decks that were made in the last 60 years, plus two historical decks for context.