Botticelli and Matteo Boiardo
Posted: 17 Apr 2026, 14:29
This my first post on the forum…
I am making a study on the iconography and hidden narratives in Sandro Botticelli’s Sistine Chapel fresco, The Temptations of Christ, Bringer of the Evangelic Law, executed between 1480 and early 1482.
The Italian poet Matteo Maria Boiardo is featured in the scene and there are several references to his tarot poem.
As I understand, a deck based on Boiardo’s poem was produced decades later by Pier Antonio Vita.
My knowledge on card games is minimal but I am able to recognise some of the iconography representing the Four Passions represented by the suits of Arrows, Cups, Eyes and Whips.
I have posted some of my study notes at this link, but have yet to post any of my notes on the Boiardo poem references as I need to familiarise myself more with the poem.
https://catchlight.blog/temptations-of-christ/
Botticelli embedded several themes in the fresco. Its composition, transitions and connections among the figures and narratives, were inspired by the opening line in Ovid’s poem Metamorphoses: “I intend to speak of forms changed into new entities…”
Another suit of card symbols, Hearts, Bells, Acorns and Leaves, is also referenced in the fresco.
I am making a study on the iconography and hidden narratives in Sandro Botticelli’s Sistine Chapel fresco, The Temptations of Christ, Bringer of the Evangelic Law, executed between 1480 and early 1482.
The Italian poet Matteo Maria Boiardo is featured in the scene and there are several references to his tarot poem.
As I understand, a deck based on Boiardo’s poem was produced decades later by Pier Antonio Vita.
My knowledge on card games is minimal but I am able to recognise some of the iconography representing the Four Passions represented by the suits of Arrows, Cups, Eyes and Whips.
I have posted some of my study notes at this link, but have yet to post any of my notes on the Boiardo poem references as I need to familiarise myself more with the poem.
https://catchlight.blog/temptations-of-christ/
Botticelli embedded several themes in the fresco. Its composition, transitions and connections among the figures and narratives, were inspired by the opening line in Ovid’s poem Metamorphoses: “I intend to speak of forms changed into new entities…”
Another suit of card symbols, Hearts, Bells, Acorns and Leaves, is also referenced in the fresco.