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Comparing image patterns in the Dodal and Conver Marseille-style Tarot decks
These images are to accompany a study currently under way on Aeclectic's Marseille Tarot Forum - a discussion in which everyone is encouraged to participate. King of Batons • Roy
de Bastons • Roy de Baton
One of the first details that one notices in
this highly literate world is the subtle difference in
the very titling of this card between the Dodal and
Conver: This may not
be of great significance. The middle 's' in the Dodal 'Bastons'
is simply, by the way, a softening of the sound, that later was replaced by
a circumflex accent upon the 'a' (not normally shown on upper
case letters, so
not shown on the Conver).
The end 's' shows that on the Dodal the suit
is talked about in the plural, whereas in the Conver in the
singular.
But let us look at the images (loaded, for convenience,
on the ATS site).
Dodal: Roy de Bastons vs Conver: Roy de Baton
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Jean Dodal Tarot-
Roy de Bastons
Approximate date of publication: 1701-1713
Image: Tarot de Marseille - Jean Dodal, by Dusserre |
Nicolas Conver Tarot-
Roy de Baton
Dated 1760
Image: Tarot de Marseille - Nicolas Conver, by
Heron |
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Both cards have much in
common: they each look somewhat towards the viewer's
right; they both hold their Baton with their left hand,
they are both similarly 'crowned', and their legs are
in equivalent orientations - interestingly, each king
seems to 'avoid' stepping onto the section of matting
(or hole?) between his feet and throne (though on the
Conver the line appears to perhaps be a shading horizontal,
rather than the end of the 'carpet'.
Some of the distinctions
are that the lower portion of the Baton points to
below the King's left raised heel in the Dodal, whereas
it
points to just above
his heel (also raised) in the Conver.
In the Dodal, the King's left arm (on
the right-hand-side of the card) is confused: what
is he doing? is the artwork deficient? is he sitting
on it?
On the Conver,
this is 'resolved' by placing it simply on his thigh.
The backs of the thrones
also show distinctions. In the Dodal, what is represented
seems to be far more draped-like than the 'pillar'-form
of
the Conver (in
fact, on the Dodal, it reminds one a little of what has at times been
referred to
as a 'solidified wing' by some).
The left-hand side of the chairs or thrones
is a little confused in each representation, though
'clearly' he is sitting on some kind of cushioning
blanket or doona-like
softening padding.
In each case, he wears armour, and in
each case, this is divided vertically down the centre
of his chest.
Both the Dodal and the Conver display
a skirting and epaulette-type armour that seems relatively free to
move
or 'flow'.
What could be taken as a hair-matting
(of perhaps metallic mesh?) on the Dodal is clearly
simply flowing hair
on the Conver. Similarly,
the neck-ending
of
the armour on the Dodal seems to be more necklace-like on the Conver.
Finally,
the Baton itself. Here a comparison to the other
batons in each deck would also be useful. At this stage,
however, let
me simply
note
that it seems
to be depicted, in each case, as a very crafted instrument, narrowing
near its top, and virtually 'balled' near the bottom before its
ending in a
spear-like point.
So... essential characteristics, from these two, appear to be
his peculiar sitting position, facing the viewer's right a little,
holding his staff
at an angle that may later be considered significant, armoured,
and crowned above a 'floppy' hat.
To join this discussion, please see the
corresponding Aeclectic Tarot Forum thread. Other related images:
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J.B. Benois Tarot -
Roy de Bastons
Approximate date of publication: Early 1700s
Image: Tarocco di Besancon by Il Meneghello |
Jacques Vieville Tarot-
(Untitled)
Dated 1650
Image: Tarot Jacques Vieville by Heron |
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Jacque(s) Rochias/Jean Proche Tarot -
Roy de Baston
Dated: 1804 by Jean Proche, but probably reused mold
from an earlier deck by Jacques Rochias
Image: Tarocco di Marsiglia (Swiss) by Il Meneghello |
Giacomo Zoni Tarot -
Roy de Bastons
Dated 1780
Image: Tarocco di Bologna by Il Meneghello, also
available as Ancient Tarots of Bologna by Lo Scarabeo. |
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"Tarot of Paris"-
Roy de Baston
Dated: Early 1600's
Image: Tarot de Paris by Grimaud
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Vandenborre Tarot -
Roi de Baton
Dated 1780
Image: Vandenborre Bacchus Tarot by Carta
Mundi
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Giuseppe Drago -
Roy de Bastons
Dated: Circa 1780
Image: Unpublished
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About this Marseille decks Tarot Studies: Contrasting the Dodal and Conver
This is an informal study of two of the most influential TdM (Tarot of Marseilles) decks that have come down to us from across the centuries. TdM decks, both early and recent, display a visual connection to these, and by our investigations hope to gain a deeper understanding of the development and influences that have contributed to Tarot as it is today.
Jean Dodal and Nicolas Conver Tarot decks have been chosen because, whilst similar in imagery, they also display two distinct "patterns". A question faced is whether these represent two streams of the Tarot de Marseille.
By comparing and contrasting these decks, a deeper appreciation of the subtleties that characterise the TdM patterns will undoubtedly emerge for each of us.
As we focuss on the actual detailed imagery of the cards, everyone, no matter how experienced in Tarot studies, should be able to partake of and contribute to the exploration.
(The above has been condensed from the introduction to the study, located on Aeclectic's Marseille Tarot forum pages.)
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