Originally produced in 1840 by François Gassmann in Geneva, Switzerland, this historic tarot deck is a rare gem within the Tarot de Marseille tradition—one of the oldest and most influential lineages in Western cartomancy. Though uniquely expressive in its own right, the deck follows the classic structure of 78 cards, including both major and minor arcana, with all titles preserved in their original French.
With its timeless baroque imagery and elegant linework, this deck offers a glimpse into 19th-century tarot as it was practiced in continental Europe. The cards are printed full-size (4.75 x 2.75 inches) on high-quality 350 GSM coated cardstock with a durable linen finish—Made in the USA for lasting use in study, ritual, or personal reflection.
This edition was reproduced from an original 1840 deck which, at some point in its history, was censored—likely during the prudish sensibilities of the Victorian era. Nudity on a few of the cards was hand-painted over by a former owner. While this detail may be unappealing to some, we feel it adds a compelling layer of historical mystery—an echo of changing cultural values across time.
Why We Love It
There’s a quiet reverence to this deck—a feeling of holding something that has traveled through many hands and eras. We love the subtle imperfections, the preserved French titles, and the way the art carries the spirit of another century. This is not just a deck for reading—it’s a piece of tarot history, whispering stories from a time long past.
