Master of the E-Series Tarocchi

The Master of the E-Series Tarocchi stands as one of the pivotal, albeit anonymous, figures in the development of 15th-century Italian engraving. Active briefly around 1456 to 1457, this artist produced a complete sequence of fifty distinctive prints known collectively as the E-series Tarocchi. This group constitutes one half of the celebrated sets often erroneously referred to as the Mantegna Tarocchi or the Baldini Cards. Distinguishing the Master of the E-Series from the contemporary Master of the S-series requires careful comparative study, yet the former’s work is recognized for its clarity of line and organizational precision, which proved influential in subsequent Italian printmaking traditions.

Despite the common nomenclature, these prints were emphatically not used for games. The "Tarocchi" title is a classical misnomer; the E-series functions instead as a sophisticated visual curriculum. The full sequence diagrams the cosmos and civic life, organized into five tiers that progress from the lowest social strata to the celestial sphere. Specific plates reveal the Master’s dedication to detail in rendering abstract concepts. The set features disciplinary representations such as Arithmetic and Astrology from the Liberal Arts sequence, and moral concepts like Charity from the Virtues group. The inclusion of figures like Apollo and Calliope emphasizes the necessary knowledge base of the Renaissance humanist.

These meticulously rendered compositions served as didactic visual aids, illustrating the hierarchy of the age, from the pauper to the ultimate spiritual principles. It is perhaps the most understated observation concerning these works that such detailed pedagogical tools were produced using the relatively new medium of copper engraving, demonstrating an early commitment to graphic excellence.

Although the identity of the Master remains elusive, their corpus of fifty original designs profoundly impacted graphic artists across Europe. Fifteen of the Master of the E-Series Tarocchi prints are known to survive in select major collections, including the Cleveland Museum of Art. Their early success in disseminating complex Renaissance iconography proves the immediate power of the print medium. Today, the detailed craftsmanship of the Master of the E-Series Tarocchi prints is highly valued. These historical works are increasingly accessible, residing securely in the public domain, allowing institutions to offer high-quality prints for scholarly examination and appreciation.