Bean Feasa
When I took this card out to study, it was the facial expressions of the Lovers that struck me most strongly. There's a softness, a tenderness and yet a quirkiness, that really makes them come alive - I think I've only seen this kind of facial expression in the Marseille-style tarots. There's a very discernible intimacy about the two figures. Adam seems to be whispering something in Eve's ear. Maybe he's saying 'don't worry, we'll manage; we have each other after all' The world they're walking in, walking out of, I suppose, looks deep and mysterious. There are hints of foliage on the trees and in their hands, and a stag but otherwise there's darkness behind them; it looks like a primeval, pagan world. I love the style the Lovers are drawn in - a soft rough shading that looks like stone-rubbing - is that what 'sgraffito' is, I wonder. I also like that their body shapes are so natural - no supermodels here, and that they seem so comfortable in their skin.
I find it a bit hard to square the angel with this scene. The colours are a very strong contrast with the world of the lovers. She doesn't look at all fearsome, if she's the angel that expelled Adam and Eve from the garden. She holds a banner with the legend 'Nothing better here below' 'a reminder perhaps', the book says 'that although they have lost one paradise they still have love, the best thing that earth can offer.' But in the context, I'm not sure I buy the sentiment, and I do find the words a bit distracting.
I find it a bit hard to square the angel with this scene. The colours are a very strong contrast with the world of the lovers. She doesn't look at all fearsome, if she's the angel that expelled Adam and Eve from the garden. She holds a banner with the legend 'Nothing better here below' 'a reminder perhaps', the book says 'that although they have lost one paradise they still have love, the best thing that earth can offer.' But in the context, I'm not sure I buy the sentiment, and I do find the words a bit distracting.