Minchiate originated in Florence in the early 16th century. It is an enlarged version of a tarot pack, containing 41 trumps instead of 22, including the twelve signs of the Zodiac, the four Elements and four Virtues. The Cavalli are either centaurs or half-human creatures. 97 cards in total.
Above: cards from a 17th century set of Minchiate reprinted from the original woodblocks as a limited edition facsimile by Vito Arienti, Edizioni del Solleone, Lissone (Milan), 1969.
By Simon Wintle
Member since February 01, 1996
View ArticlesCurator and editor of the World of Playing Cards since 1996.
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