Tarot cards likely originated in northern Italy during the late 14th or early 15th century. The oldest surviving set, known as the Visconti-Sforza deck, was created for the Duke of Milan's family around 1440. The cards were used to play a bridge-like game known as tarocchi, popular at the time among nobles and other leisure lovers.

Brendan I. Koerner’s quote provides insight into the origin and history of tarot cards. By stating, “Tarot cards likely originated in northern Italy during the late 14th or early 15th century,” he identifies both the geographical and historical roots of these iconic cards. This highlights that tarot was not initially associated with mysticism or fortune-telling, but began as a cultural artifact within European society.

The origin of the practice is further emphasized through the Visconti-Sforza deck, described as the oldest surviving set of tarot cards, created around 1440 for the Duke of Milan’s family. This detail reflects the noble and aristocratic context in which tarot first appeared. It was a luxury item, often hand-painted and ornate, signifying that early tarot cards were symbols of leisure, status, and artistry rather than tools of divination.

Koerner also points out that the cards were originally used to play tarocchi, a bridge-like game enjoyed by nobles and leisure lovers. This underlines the social and recreational purpose of tarot in its early history. Rather than carrying esoteric meaning, the cards functioned as entertainment within the courtly culture of the Italian Renaissance, showing how their purpose evolved over time.

Ultimately, this quote illustrates how tarot cards transformed from noble pastimes into the mystical tools recognized today. Koerner’s explanation reminds us that the historical roots of tarot are grounded in Italian art, leisure, and culture, long before they were linked to fortune-telling or spirituality.