Ethereal Visions: An Illuminated Tarot Deck - Art Nouveau

The Ethereal Visions: An Illuminated Tarot Deck is a full 78+ card deck created by artist Matt Hughes, deeply inspired by the Art Nouveau movement. Launched successfully on Kickstarter in 2016, this deck embodies the philosophy of creating beauty for everyday use, a core tenet of Art Nouveau. Each card is meticulously hand-drawn and features unique gold foil stamping, reflecting Hughes' dedication to craftsmanship and his rejection of artistic shortcuts.

The deck adheres closely to the Rider-Waite system, ensuring that both new and experienced readers can connect with its symbolism. The accompanying 44-page booklet, written by Hughes' wife Hope, details the artist's intentions and the symbolism within each card. This first printing was exclusively available through the Kickstarter campaign, making it a unique collector's item for those who supported its initial creation.

Physical specifications include high-quality 3" x 5" cards printed on heavy 350GSM stock with rounded corners. The deck is housed in a two-piece premium box and comes shrink-wrapped. The campaign also hinted at the possibility of 6 "Secret Cards" beyond the standard 78, adding an element of surprise for backers. This deck is designed to be both a beautiful art object and a functional tool for divination.

This deck is ideal for collectors and readers who appreciate the Art Nouveau aesthetic, particularly fans of artists like Alphonse Mucha and Gustav Klimt. It suits those who value hand-crafted artwork and premium production quality, especially the gold foil detailing. Readers familiar with the Rider-Waite system will find it accessible, while its unique artistic interpretation offers a fresh perspective for experienced practitioners. It also appeals to individuals seeking a deck with a strong artistic vision and a connection to historical art movements.

Matt Hughes, the artist behind Ethereal Visions, developed this deck out of a deep passion for the Art Nouveau movement and its philosophy of bringing beauty to everyday art. He dedicated himself to creating a unique tarot deck that would incorporate this philosophy, emphasizing that every line, color application, and sketch was done by hand. Hughes collaborated with his wife, Hope, who has extensive experience with Tarot, and a small group of readers to ensure the deck's meanings and designs aligned with the Rider-Waite system. Hope also authored the accompanying 44-page booklet.