Rosanne
Mary Greer has brought up this subject in her blog.
http://marygreer.wordpress.com/2011/07/03/the-visconti-tarots/
I have talked about an idea in another forum some time ago. The idea was seemingly scotched.
I consider it is a possibility that the Cary Yale deck is the story of Theodolinda Queen of the Lombards in the 7th century.
The story has been illustrated in the Cathedral of Monza.
http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cappella_di_Teodolinda
In this site is the translated commentary...
The card we call the World card...
http://www.tarotpedia.com/wiki/Image:Cary-yale_XXI.jpg
I believe shows the meeting of Agilulfo with a deputation of Monks who are going to convert him from Arianism to Catholicism at Momello on the banks of the River. I believe this because, on his standard is a ourobus or a serpent eating his tail- the symbol of his Pagan persuasion- not the Visconti red man snake.
I can see the idea of Theodolinda carrying the symbol of the Dove around to find a spot for the Cathedral or Church to Saint John the Baptist, in the Chariot.
In the image of 'Hope' I see adoration of the True Cross, from which a nail was made into the Iron Crown of Lombardy. Emperors were crowned with this crown. This crown was a gift to Theodolinda. There are other images similar like Queen Sheba hoping/praying in a fresco at Arezzo- with the point been made of Judas Iscariot been the epitome of Despair and disloyalty, at the cross of the crucifixion.
There are many sites showing the many frescoes, but you have to hit the translate this page button.
I hope you enjoy the viewing and have something to add.
~Rosanne
http://marygreer.wordpress.com/2011/07/03/the-visconti-tarots/
I have talked about an idea in another forum some time ago. The idea was seemingly scotched.
I consider it is a possibility that the Cary Yale deck is the story of Theodolinda Queen of the Lombards in the 7th century.
The story has been illustrated in the Cathedral of Monza.
http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cappella_di_Teodolinda
In this site is the translated commentary...
The numbering starts from the top left or from north to south. The scenes 1 to 23 describe the preparations and the wedding of Theodolinda and Autari , until the death of the king, from 24 to 30 depict the preliminary and the marriage between the queen and her second husband Agilulfo ; 31 to 41 tells the birth and development of the cathedral, the death of Agilulfo and that of Theodolinda, from 41 to 45 then it is said of the landing unfortunate Emperor Constant and his return to Byzantium . The pace of the narrative varies from very fast to very slow, pointing out some historical episodes of particular importance, according to the authors and clients. In particular, there are fewer than 28 scenes of wedding or marriage preparation, they did suggest a connection with the story of Bianca Maria Visconti and the transfer of power between the Visconti and Sforza : the analogy with the story of the Lombard queen, who chose the new king taking him as a husband, would legitimize the takeover of Francesco Sforza by marriage in 1441 .
The card we call the World card...
http://www.tarotpedia.com/wiki/Image:Cary-yale_XXI.jpg
I believe shows the meeting of Agilulfo with a deputation of Monks who are going to convert him from Arianism to Catholicism at Momello on the banks of the River. I believe this because, on his standard is a ourobus or a serpent eating his tail- the symbol of his Pagan persuasion- not the Visconti red man snake.
I can see the idea of Theodolinda carrying the symbol of the Dove around to find a spot for the Cathedral or Church to Saint John the Baptist, in the Chariot.
In the image of 'Hope' I see adoration of the True Cross, from which a nail was made into the Iron Crown of Lombardy. Emperors were crowned with this crown. This crown was a gift to Theodolinda. There are other images similar like Queen Sheba hoping/praying in a fresco at Arezzo- with the point been made of Judas Iscariot been the epitome of Despair and disloyalty, at the cross of the crucifixion.
There are many sites showing the many frescoes, but you have to hit the translate this page button.
I hope you enjoy the viewing and have something to add.
~Rosanne