Original watercolor and inkline depiction of “The Devil” Major Arcana tarot card designed for an all-female Art Nouveau deck.

Symbolic of an over-emphasis on the visible, sensory side of existence, the winged Devil perches on her pillar holding a flaming torch, an indicator of black magic and destruction. The pentagram between her brows is inverted, showing that humans’ places in the universe are here reversed. From a ring in her pedestal, chains connect two lovers; their clasped hands indicate that much of bondage is optional.

Incorporating aspects of all suits, the Devil portends illness, bondage to the material, violence, revolution, and force and indicates the domination of matter over spirit.

Ramona Szczerba ©2011 Copyright is not transferable with the sale of this item. The buyer is not entitled to any reproduction rights – image cannot be reproduced without my express written permission. Thanks!