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Salvador Dalí is one of the most famous surrealist painters of the 20th century, but his artistic talent stretched far beyond his canvases. During his career, he designed wine cards, appeared on game shows, and even released his own eccentric cookbook. And during the early ‘70s, Dalí began working on his own illustrated deck of tarot cards intended for the James Bond film Live and Let Die.
Despite the fact that the cards didn’t make it as props in the film (due to Dalí’s high fees), the artist continued working on his designs for 10 years. The limited edition Dalí tarot cards were first published in 1984 and have since sold out. However, Taschen has recently re-released them as a full 78-card set, complete with a book by German author Johannes Fiebig on Dalí’s life and the making of his tarot series, as well as comprehensive instructions.
“Legend has it that when preparing props for the James Bond film Live and Let Die, producer Albert Broccoli commissioned Surrealist maestro Salvador Dalí to create a custom deck of tarot cards,” Taschen reveals. “Inspired by his wife Gala, who nurtured his interest in mysticism, Dalí eagerly got to work, and continued the project of his own accord when the contractual deal fell through.” The result is an extraordinary custom tarot deck, featuring Dalí himself as the Magician, his wife Gala as the Empress, and the death of Julius Caesar is reinterpreted as the Ten of Swords—a card that represents backstabbing betrayal.
Want to read your surreal future? Dalí. Tarot is now available to purchase on Taschen's website for $60.
Salvador Dalí’s surreal tarot card designs from 1984 have been re-released by Taschen as a complete deck.
The cards were originally intended as props for the James Bond film Live and Let Die, but the contractual agreement fell through.
Nevertheless, Dalí spent 10 years working on the designs.
The Dalí. Tarot set comes with a book on the making of, as well as card instructions.
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h/t: [Colossal, Open Culture]
All images via Taschen.
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