Ten of Swords 1751

This hand-colored etching, "Ten of Swords", was created by French artist Claude Burdel in 1751. The card, part of a larger tarot deck, depicts ten swords, arranged in a circular formation. The artwork's intricate detail and vibrant colors are characteristic of 18th-century French playing card design, featuring intricate details like the woven pattern on the swords and the decorative flourishes at the ends of each blade. The "Ten of Swords" card holds a powerful symbolism in tarot, representing the ultimate point of despair, loss, or betrayal. The Minneapolis Institute of Art houses this rare and significant piece of playing card history.