Tarot by Pierre Madenié (Limited First Edition) by Yves Renault

These decks are from the first edition and are very rare!

The Tarot by Pierre Madenié is one of the oldest and most beautiful Tarot de Marseille decks in existence. Created in Dijon, France in 1709 by renowned master cardmaker and engraver Pierre Madenié, this deck holds exceptional historical significance as the earliest complete example of the classic Tarot de Marseille Type II pattern. Its existence demonstrates that this influential design was already fully established by the early 18th century, with roots likely extending into the previous century, and that it coexisted alongside the earlier Type I pattern exemplified by the Noblet (1650) and Dodal (1704) decks.

This first edition reproduction is based on the complete original housed in the Schweizerisches Landesmuseum in Zurich, preserved with its original wrapper. The deck is distinguished by its remarkably vibrant palette—deep ruby, forest green, dark royal blue, and antique gold—and the unusually open, friendly expressions of its figures. Unlike the often grumpy or somber faces found in many Tarot de Marseille decks, the Madenié features well-delineated, lively eyes and welcoming countenances. Even the Sun and Moon display happier faces than their counterparts in other historical decks.

The Madenié Family Legacy The Madenié family represented three generations of cardmakers active in Dijon during the first half of the 18th century. Two of their decks still survive: this 1709 edition and another from 1736, both testifying to their mastery of the craft and their importance in the development of the Marseille tradition.

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

• 22 Major Arcana (Strength is 11, Justice is 8)
• 56 Minor Arcana with Marseille-style pips, divided into Cups, Coins, Batons, and Swords
• 78 cards in total
• Card text in French

Production Quality 

• Card size: 2½ × 4¾ inches (64 × 121 mm)
• Cardstock: High-quality stock with a light coating that enhances handling and shuffling
• Print quality: Flawless reproduction maintaining the rich colors, fine details, and scale of the original
• Card backs: Reversible design
• Packaging: Sturdy two-piece box featuring the vibrant Bateleur (The Magician), with a delicately reproduced facsimile of the original baroque wrapper featuring angels and the inscription: "Fine Tarot Cards, made by Pierre Madenié, working near the cemetery of Notre Dame at Dijon, cardmaker for the Lord Duke, Governor of the Province of Burgundy"
• Included materials: 2 title cards (French and English) with historical background and edition number
• Edition: Limited to 3,000 numbered copies

About the Reproduction This first edition was realized by Yves Reynaud and Wilfried Houdouin of Tarot de Marseille Heritage. Reynaud, with privileged access to European museum collections and private holdings, has made rare historical Tarot de Marseille decks available to contemporary collectors through meticulously crafted facsimile editions. Houdouin's expertise in graphic design ensured faithful correction and adaptation of the original images.

For Collectors, Historians, and Practitioners The Tarot by Pierre Madenié is particularly suited to:

• Collectors seeking the earliest complete Tarot de Marseille Type II deck
• Researchers studying the establishment and evolution of the classic Marseille pattern
• Practitioners desiring a historically significant deck with exceptionally beautiful imagery
• Anyone appreciating the intersection of French card-making artistry and tarot tradition