Tarot by GS Chosson (Limited Edition) by Yves Reynaud

The Tarot from François Chosson is one of the oldest and most significant examples of the Tarot de Marseille. Produced in Marseille in 1736 by master cardmaker François Chosson, this deck ranks as the second-oldest known Marseille tarot of its category and served as the prototype for subsequent decks, including Nicolas Conver's influential edition—the model for most popular Tarot de Marseille decks in use today.

This limited edition is based on the only known surviving copy, preserved in the Historical Museum Blumenstein in Solothurn, Switzerland. The deck reveals a fascinating layered history: while Chosson printed it in 1736, the card plates themselves were engraved in 1672 by an artist identified only by the initials "GS."

The Mystery of the GS Chosson The Two of Coins holds the key to this deck's complex origins, bearing François Chosson's name alongside a damaged date resembling "1c72"—most likely 1672. The initials "GS" appear on The Chariot and the Two of Cups, corresponding to the original engraver.

On April 11, 1736, Chosson submitted his card wrapping paper to Marseille's guild of cardmakers, marking the beginning of his production. He appears to have acquired existing 1672 engraving plates—a common practice when taking over a workshop—preserving the original date while replacing the former cardmaker's name with his own.

The identity of "GS" remains speculative. Guillaume Sellon (1676-1715), the most important Marseille card manufacturer of the period, is a strong candidate, possibly appearing as "Guilhen Sallonnetz" in his Occitan form.

Historical Context & Structure The deck follows the classic Tarot de Marseille Type II format:

• 22 Major Arcana with iconic Marseille imagery
• 56 Minor Arcana divided into Cups, Coins, Batons, and Swords
• 78 cards representing the oldest existing Type II Marseille tarot

Production Quality

• Cardstock: 400g satin-finish paper
• Print quality: High-resolution facsimile of the 1672 engravings and 1736 printing
• Packaging: Reproduction of Chosson's original wrapping sheet featuring two griffons, housed in a sturdy telescopic box
• Included materials: 2 presentation cards (French and English)
• Edition: Limited to 3,000 numbered copies; left unsealed to preserve authentic handling characteristics

About the Reproduction This edition was realized by Yves Reynaud and Wilfried Houdouin of Tarot de Marseille Heritage in partnership with the Historical Museum Blumenstein. Each deck is hand-numbered, emphasizing the care and authenticity of the reproduction.

For Collectors, Historians, and Practitioners The Tarot from François Chosson is particularly suited to:

• Collectors seeking one of the most historically important Tarot de Marseille editions
• Researchers studying the evolution and standardization of the Marseille tradition
• Practitioners desiring the prototype deck that shaped modern Tarot de Marseille imagery
• Anyone interested in French card-making history and tarot's development