Touchstone Tarot - Knight of Swords
msesheta
Description
A ruthless-looking young man in beautiful black and gold armor holds a sword poised at the ready. He rests his left hand on a matching helmet. His beard is close-trimmed and his hair is short. A pillar behind him features a carving of a man carrying a heavy weight. Behind him is a window with a heavy wooden shutter. A moth rests on the wall.
This is William the Silent, also known as William of Orange, who had the dubious honor of being the first head of state to be assassinated by firearm. With an expression like that, I'm not surprised.
William of Orange is a national hero in the Netherlands as he led a successful revolt against Spain for Dutch independence. The Dutch flag, national anthem and coat of arms are all in tribute to him: even the color worn by Dutch Olympic athletes is orange.
Meanings
The warrior. Always the first to start an argument or charge into battle. Brilliant, but yet to be softened by age. Can be hurtful, but honest – if you want the harsh truth, ask him. Travel by air.
Reversed
Acts first, thinks later. A brash,
foolhardy person who always thinks that they are right.
Stand your ground, their aggression is a bluff.
Artwork
- Sword hilt, blade: GENTILESCHI, Artemisia, Judith Beheading Holofernes, 1612-21, Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence.
- Sword grip: VOUET, Simon, Magdalene, 1614-15, Palazzo del Quirinale, Rome.
- Room: Master of Flémalle, Madonna with the Child, 1433-35, The Hermitage, St. Petersburg.
- Knight: MOR VAN DASHORST, Anthonis, Portrait of William of Orange, 1555, Staatliche Museen, Kassel.
- Black butterfly: BEERT, Osias, Still Life with Cherries
and Strawberries in China Bowls, 1608, Staatliche Museen,
Berlin.
