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Tarocco Storico del Palio di Pistoia The translated name of this Italian deck is The Historical Tarot of the Banner of Pistoia. The title refers to the yearly festival in the town of Pistoia, and the horse races which award a prize banner to the winner. This deck was printed by Edizioni del Solleone in 1985 as a limited, numbered edition of 2000 sets. Folchi’s artwork is detailed, rich, and in this deck it is filled with commemorative references. The booklet that is included with this deck is actually a folded sheet of paper, and the writing is entirely in Italian. On one side of the sheet is the history of Pistoia as told by Folchi, who uses each of the Trumps to illustrate characters or events by inserting them into the appropriate place in the story. On the other side of the page is a historical commentary by Giancarlo Jori, the author of several books on Italy’s history. |
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The festival of the Palio celebrates the district’s independence from the Emperors and Bishops that fought to dominate these provinces during the first millennium. Having been alternately ruled by Rome, conquered by the Lombards, and controled by Bishops, Pistoia finally gained independence by the early 1100’s and established themselves as a Free Commune, or municipality. Several major Italian cities were becoming independent and powerful city-states during the 11th century. By breaking free from the nobles and Emperors who sought to control these provinces from a distance, these Communes were gradually building their self-identities as cities, as opposed to identifying themselves with large empires or countries. Folchi’s Strength card, an archetype of St. George, shows the bravery of a Paladin who symbolizes the overthrowing of a dark historical condition. Pistoia, a province of Tuscany, officially enacted their own statutes in 1177, being one of the first Italian city-states to do so. They created an executive council governed by one Standard-bearer of Justice and eight Elders of the People, called the Anziani. These were Pistoian citizens who were selected by lot to serve two-month terms. Above them, serving six-month terms, were the chief administrative officers, the Captain of the People and the Podesta (Folchi’s Emperor card). These officers could not be Pistoian or even Tuscan, were closely monitored, and were allowed limited social contact with Pistoians. This was to help the citizens to feel safe in bringing charges against an official. The thirteenth century was a major period of prosperity for Pistoia. Folchi writes that “the economic, cultural and artistic activity, blooming exuberantly at this time, made the city very strong. The pistoiesi erected an austere Communal Palace, in part to symbolize the strength of the single Commune which they now constituted (the Sun card).” The Minor Arcana utilize the crest symbols of the four Pistoian districts. These symbols are represented on
the four doors to the city of Mura, and are featured prominently on the four Aces. The St. Mark Door shows a gold
lion, associated with Cups; the Carratica Door shows a green dragon, associated with Swords; the Lucchesi Door
shows a white deer, associated with Batons; the Borgo Door uses a white griffin, associated with Coins. |
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Review by Mark Filipas, 1/9/00 |
Images Copyright © 1985 Vito Arienti Editore, Review Copyright
© 2000 Mark Filipas
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