Antiquearcana.com has done it again. After numerous projects to make decks available that were hard to find (or afford) I was happy to add the Grande Belline facsimile to my collection. I have all the facsimiles made so far by this publisher so I can speak from experience. I have a sizable collection of originals but for decks like these it is a gift to the Tarot community that Roland has taken up this quest. The quality of the materials and the meticulous attention to creating something new that still retains the ambience of the original artwork is why I am a faithful fan. This Belline is not an exact replica but it was not meant to be. The cards are smaller, making them easier to handle, and they are not enshrouded in a huge presentation box. Yet the facsimile tuck box echos the golden lattice covered box of the original. the Linework is crisp, the colors bright, and the script is easily readable. The backs are beautiful and even the 2 presentation cards were reproduced. The Grande Belline is considered the crowned jewel of decks by many collectirs so I will consider this to be the crowned jewel of my facsimile decks (including those made by Roland and the many replicas of rare historical decks by other publishers). And keep in mind that these facsimile decks are made in relativly small runs so they are collectible in their own right. For any colletor who has been looking for the Belline, or any of the others pictured, I would reccomend buying one of these facsimiles. Bravo Roland for another beautifully produced deck. I can't wait for your next project
