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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.
Valet of Batons • Untitled •
Valet de Baton
The Valet of Batons may be one of the most
insightful cards in the deck when comparing the Dodal and
the Conver, and really calls for a comparison of other early
decks to try to determine what is actually depicted on the
card.
Dodal: Chevalier de Baston vs Conver: Cavalier de Baton
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Jean Dodal Tarot-
(Untitled)
Approximate date of publication: 1701-1713
Image: Tarot de Marseille - Jean Dodal, by Dusserre |
Nicolas Conver Tarot-
Valet de Baton
Dated 1760
Image: Tarot de Marseille - Nicolas Conver, by
Heron |
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The Jean Dodal and Nicholas Conver are pretty much in agreement on this card,
and there are very few differences when comparing other decks.
Both images have information, I believe, about their intended destinations on
the side of the card. Dodal is for export, Conver is from (or for) France.
The
Dodal is untitled. For a deck that tends to use titles fairly freely, I wonder
why this is? Perhaps it is because adding the title would have chopped off
the feet in the Dodal image? The conver seems to have
solved this by raising the
right foot so that it is level with the left.
Both Valets seem to be holding
a baton with their hands resting on the top. The
Dodal is a little less clear.. and might suggest that
the
baton extended
higher
above the hand as it does on some other early decks which I shall present
shortly.
Both seem to have a Valet with a drape
hanging on the right side of his clothing, and perhaps
also
on the left.
Are there any other aspects to this card that distinguish
the decks?
To join this discussion, please see the
corresponding Aeclectic Tarot Forum thread.
Other related images:
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J.B. Benois Tarot -
Valet 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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Giuseppe Drago -
(Untitled)
Dated: Circa 1780
Image: Unpublished |
Jacque(s) Rochias/Jean Proche Tarot -
Valet 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 |
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"Tarot of Paris"-
Varlet de Baston
Dated: Early 1600's
Image: Tarot de Paris by Grimaud
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Giacomo Zoni Tarot -
Valet 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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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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