Cartier
1955
The making of Jean Cocteau’s – great French poet and artist – sword remains unique in Cartier’s history. At the time, the artist was part of the brilliant adventure of the Ballets Russes – a famous Parisian show created by Serge Diaghilev in 1909 that brought together great music, dancing, poetry and painting.
For his election at the Académie Française (French Academy) on 3rd March, Cocteau decided to design the silhouette of his sword. The result is a true work of art and the poet, who was familiar with the Maison since the creation of the 3 gold band in 1924, chose to entrust Cartier with its making.
The handle of the sword represents the profile of the poet Orpheus holding his lyre. A ribbon wrapped around the column represents the theatre and the pastel pencil stands for Jean Cocteau’s graphic art. Other symbols are more concrete: the ivory ball hand held on the tip of the sword is a reference to the play The Holy Terrors and the lances evoke the gates of the Palais Royal, where the artist has his Parisian residence. The handle of the sword is decorated with a six pointed star in rubies and diamonds.
Jean Cocteau’s Academician’s sword in gold, silver, emerald, rubies, diamonds, ivory, onyx, steel blade - Cartier Paris, 1955
N. Welsh, Collection Cartier © Cartier
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