jmd
In the thread The Left and The Right Hand, kwaw makes what to me is a highly significant comment - probably significant because of my own views as to the development of the Marseille pattern arising from (amongst other influences) crypto-Jewish sources in the south of France, at a time when to be either Jew or Huguenot could cost either possessions or life.
In that thread, kwaw gives a link to Michael J. Hurst's site showing some striking images of the Hanged Man reflected in Jews in Christian Art.
If one of the major influences on the iconography of this card arises from a more common depiction within Christian (and southern French?) lands of hanging Jews by their feet, then this may be further evidence of crypto-Jewish influence on the specific Marseille style: 'here is what they do to us - beware and keep silent!'.
Its depiction by one leg can of course also be easily accounted for by visual similarity to the twelfth Hebrew letter (Lamed), which would then have 'transformed' the depiction from both tied feet to one to reflect the letter.
In that thread, kwaw gives a link to Michael J. Hurst's site showing some striking images of the Hanged Man reflected in Jews in Christian Art.
If one of the major influences on the iconography of this card arises from a more common depiction within Christian (and southern French?) lands of hanging Jews by their feet, then this may be further evidence of crypto-Jewish influence on the specific Marseille style: 'here is what they do to us - beware and keep silent!'.
Its depiction by one leg can of course also be easily accounted for by visual similarity to the twelfth Hebrew letter (Lamed), which would then have 'transformed' the depiction from both tied feet to one to reflect the letter.