King of Coins 1751

Claude Burdel created this woodblock print with stencil coloring depicting the King of Coins, sometime in the 1700s. The card comes from a tarot deck, a popular form of entertainment, but also a tool for divination and fortune-telling. The King of Coins is rendered in bright colors and wears a regal costume. We can read this card through its cultural context. It was made in Switzerland, but the French inscription suggests it was made for export. Tarot cards became popular in Europe in the 15th century, and they reflect the hierarchical structure of feudal society. The King of Coins specifically symbolizes material wealth, business acumen, and worldly success. Cards like these were widely circulated and available to different social classes. They provide us with a glimpse into the shared beliefs and values of the time. In studying this tarot card, one might consult historical texts, costume books, and studies of popular culture in order to better understand its significance. The meaning of this art resides in its historical context.