Interpretation of the tarot card symbols in terms of art

In this study, the history and symbols of illustrated tarot decks, which are processed according to the subjects and arranged in a certain order, are examined. How these symbols, which were related to esotericism, alchemy, and fortune telling, were illustrated and rendered was examined and their mythological origins and common points with the art of painting were clarified. Research, books, journals, articles, and theses written about the field were examined and modeled according to literature survey model.The scope of the study was limited by examining the most important examples of tarot stacks, which have many important examples, because of their historically large footprint. The 22 large arcana cards in the tarot decks have been explained one by one, and these cards are given wide coverage because they are important for research. The origins of the symbolic meanings of the pictures on these cards were also examined. In this context, by giving examples from different period paintings, frescoes, architectural structures, sculptures and engravings, the common points in the field of art were determined. In the light of the information obtained during the research and as a result of several trials with sketches, an original thematic gravure print tarot deck, which is slightly larger than the standard card sizes to make it suitable for exhibition, was prepared. Key Words: Art, Printmaking, Painting, Symbolism, Tarot Cards