Ten of Batons 1751

Claude Burdel created this card, Ten of Batons, using woodcut and stencil in Switzerland in the late 1700s. The image presents ten batons arranged in a complex, interwoven pattern. Tarot cards at this time served not only as tools for divination but also as cultural artifacts reflecting the social and intellectual currents of their time. Consider the period in which Burdel was working. The late 18th century was an era defined by Enlightenment ideals and revolutionary fervor. The intricate arrangement of batons might be interpreted as a visual metaphor for the complex social structures of the time. Is it a commentary on the burdens and responsibilities borne by individuals within a society? The image might suggest a world of interconnectedness and interdependence. Historians consult a range of sources to contextualize such artifacts. These include period literature, social histories, and studies of popular culture. The meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context.