Johann Herrl

Tarock deck made by Johann Herrl in Graz 1815

French-suited, double-ended Tarock deck made by Johann Herrl, Graz 1815. Austrian tax stamp 1815, woodcut, stencil coloured, 54 cards. There are four court cards in each suit:  King, Queen, Cavalier and Jack - most tarocks depict chimera, exotic or mythological scenes on the trumps. Tarots with French suit signs (hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades), usually called “Tarok” or “Tarock”, appeared around 1750.

Above: 54-card Tarock deck made by Johann Herrl in Graz 1815. The 'Fool' is a flautist. Images from the collection of Klaus-Jürgen Schultz (http://spielkarten-sammlung.de).