The Art Nouveau, by Lo Scarabeo. Its a very beautiful deck, and there-in lies its greatest strength and biggest weakness. In the case of some images like the Hierophant and the Chariot the artist has given us wonderful interperations of the Trumps. I have always felt the Hierophant should most properly be depicted as a rabbi. The roles, of Mentor, Advisor, and Keeper of the Faith combine in a Rabbi as in no other profession in quite the same way. So I really liked this card. The Chariot, again struck a nerve with me. This is clearly the chariot as a warrior, not the Chariot as an actor impersonating a warrior. And again the art is wonderfully executed. Actually for pure art, I'm not sure I have seen a better deck. Certainly not a better drawn deck, vs a collage deck. I myself am a big fan of good technique. I don't see, 2nd rate technique as "Genuine" or "Primitive", I see it as bad technique. There is nothing to disappoint anyone who loves the art of drawing in this deck.

The minors however, have been executed with little regard for their traditional depictions, or meaning. The 10 of Cups, is at best a stretch. The 10 of cups traditionally represents a mature relationship. The maids are viewed from just far enough away that they may be a older couple who have retained their youth and beauty. More likely, the artist just wanted to draw younger women. The 6 of Wands however, one cannot even stretch too, Traditionally, this card represents victory, and depicts a young lord returning in glory for his laurels. Being a 6 it is a card of profound balance, as we see in Melanie's Card, Depicting a young Nagual looking out at the nature, and for a moment understanding its balances. The image here, has nothing to do with that traditional moment of peace between conflicts. While, the accompanying text: "Great danger often hides behind a false appearance. This card represents a dangerous and unfair opponent." has nothing to do with the traditional interpretations in any system I am familiar with myself. My personal knowledge is hardly comprehensive, but this card seems way off center. On a positive note, the 5 of Swords, which speaks to conquest and grief. I think is wonderfully exectuted.

So as a final assessment, I would have to give the deck a 4 stars out of 5. There are some wonderful depictions here. As a deck to compare other interpretations too, it is excellent. As a collectors deck, it offers some simply splendid images that are a joy to behold. As a readers deck however it has suffered. The Artists desire to present the most beautiful possible images, has made it a deck that is difficult to read from the imagery. If like me, you feel the traditional interpretations should only be departed from if the artist has a genuine insight to share, you will find that the artist did not agree.