The effect is applied after resolving the action, including after all combats.
100097
The Art of Memory
Requires a Black Hand vampire. Only usable when the action is announced.
Remove this card from the game when it is played. If the action is successful, move one card played by this vampire during this action from your ash heap to your hand. Discard down to your hand size.
Rulings
Can be used to retrieve the action card itself (if any).
Must be played (as well as other "as the action is announced" action modifiers) before action modifiers that are not explicitly played "as the action is announced" (e.g., Conditioning).
Replace the action card (if any) before playing it.