a new version of the tarot

Anthony Apesos's "a new version of the tarot" is a limited edition 78-card deck, with only 100 boxed sets produced. The deck re-envisions the traditional tarot system through original oil paintings. The artwork, as seen in the provided image, suggests a contemplative and emotionally resonant approach to the cards, focusing on human figures and natural settings.

The deck's title implies a fresh interpretation of tarot archetypes, likely through the artist's unique visual language rather than a strict adherence to a specific historical tradition. The use of oil painting as the medium lends a classical, fine-art quality to the deck, distinguishing it from many contemporary tarot decks that often employ digital or more graphic styles. This artistic choice suggests a focus on depth, texture, and the nuanced portrayal of human experience within each card.

Given the limited edition nature and the fine art medium, this deck positions itself as both a functional tool for divination and a collectible art object. The 78-card structure confirms its adherence to the standard tarot system, making it accessible to experienced readers while offering a distinct aesthetic perspective.

The artwork is executed in oil paint, characterized by visible brushstrokes and a rich, somewhat muted color palette dominated by earthy tones and soft, diffused light. The image shows two figures, possibly young women, seated back-to-back in a natural landscape, with a warm, rosy sky suggesting either dawn or dusk. The figures are rendered with a realistic yet painterly quality, their expressions contemplative and introspective. The overall mood is serene and slightly melancholic, emphasizing human connection and introspection within a natural setting. This style suggests a deck that explores emotional and psychological states through its imagery.

This deck is suitable for experienced tarot readers and collectors who appreciate fine art, particularly oil painting, and are seeking a deck with a contemplative and introspective aesthetic. It appeals to those who value limited edition art objects and are open to a re-envisioned interpretation of traditional tarot archetypes. Readers who prefer a more intuitive, less literal approach to card meanings may also find this deck engaging.