Bilder zum Tarot
Detailed pen and ink drawings of the major arcana by the German artist Helmut Wonschick.
Helmut Wonschick (d. 2021) created this, his third pack of cards, in 1984. The title can be translated as ‘Tarot Pictures’. Wonschick’s pen and ink drawings are extremely detailed, with all the designs placed centrally, thus resembling totem poles. The artist has combined human, animal and other subjects, creating sculptural forms on which the viewer must reflect. One is left wondering why the number and title on trump III were placed inside the border, unlike any of the other cards. A few of the card titles are unconventional. The reverse resembles a mirror with a scrolling border. On one of the extra cards is a kind of poem including all the names of the major arcana (in German) and how they relate to each other. Published in a limited edition of 1,000 copies. See the box►
Above: ‘Bilder zum Tarot’ published by Helmut Wonschick, Berlin, Germany, 1984. 22 cards + 2 extra cards in tuck box. Size: 80 x 130 mm.
REFERENCES
Kaplan, Stuart R. The Encyclopedia of Tarot, Vol. III. Stamford, CT, USA: U.S. Games Systems, Inc.; 1990. pp 551-2.
By Roddy Somerville
France • Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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