Portrait of Sir Thomas Gresham (Modified/Appropriated for 'King of Swords')
Digital print/offset lithography on cardstock (Tarot card) • Original painting attributed to Anthonis Mor (Antonio Moro); modern appropriation by an unknown Tarot deck designer
Style & Movement
Northern Renaissance (original portrait style); Contemporary Esoteric/Neo-Classical (card design)
Medium & Technique
Print illustration incorporating a digital reproduction of a 16th-century oil on panel painting
Creation Period
Original painting circa 1565; current physical card produced early 21st century
Dimensions & Format
Standard Tarot card dimensions (approx. 2.75 x 4.75 inches); portrait orientation
Subject Description
A three-quarter length portrait of Sir Thomas Gresham, founder of the Royal Exchange, seated and wearing a black doublet, ruff, and feathered cap. He holds a sword (added or emphasized for iconography). In a tarot context, he represents the King of Swords, symbolizing intellectual power and authority.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; mass-produced modern item with minimal wear, no visible creasing or edge scuffing
Estimated Market Value
$1 - $5 (as an individual card) / $20 - $40 (as a complete deck)
Auction Estimate
N/A - Not typically a standalone auction item unless part of a rare first edition deck
Provenance History
Acquired as part of a modern tarot deck (e.g., The Golden Tarot or similar art-appropriation decks)
Art Historical Significance
The source image is significant as a primary record of 16th-century mercantile nobility, showcasing Anthonis Mor's skill in Dutch/Flemish portraiture. Its use in tarot reflects modern trends of 'recontextualizing' classical art into new divinatory frameworks.
Notable Features
Includes a distinctive title banner at the bottom labeled 'King of Swords' and a white border common to deck-specific printing.
Condition Issues
None visible relative to its type; slight glare on the glossy surface from the photo flash
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a dry, cool environment; avoid direct sunlight to prevent UV fading of the inks; store in a protective sleeve