From 24 October 2012 until 17 February 2013, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid will host El Arte de Cartier, unveiling more than 420 pieces from the Cartier Collection, from its beginnings to the present day.
This exhibition, one of the most significant to date due to the number of previously un-exhibited pieces, reflects Cartier’s spirit and artistic evolution since its creation in 1847. The dynamism of the Cartier brothers and their interest in the art of ancient and distant cultures laid the foundations for Cartier’s artistic identity.
| Panther brooch Cartier Paris, 1949 & Flamingo brooch, 1940 |
Jewellery, watches and precious accessories: through its infinite detail and sophistication the Cartier Collection reveals a culture and an art of living.
| Scroll Tiara Cartier Paris, 1910 & Bib necklace special order, 1947 |
From the garland style through to the Art Deco of the 1930s, from Chinese inspiration to the Tutti Frutti style, this unique retrospective showcases more than 165 years of creativity through the many facets of Cartier style, a style which earned the title “king of jewellers, (the) jeweller of kings” from King Edward VII.
Very early on, Cartier established a friendship with Spain and its royal family: in 1904, King Alfonso XIII granted Cartier the royal warrant of official supplier to the royal court. In 1929, during the Barcelona International Exposition in MontjuïcPark, Cartier caused a stir with the Aga Khan’s diamond-set necklace: 38 round stones and three diamond drops of 40, 38 and 35 carats. Alongside the famous items that once belonged to legendary clients, visitors will discover the garland-style tiara given to Queen Victoria Eugenia by King Alfonso XIII in 1920 as a wedding gift; an exceptional loan – made possible by the royal family – of this jewellery piece worn by Queen Sofia during official events.
| Snake necklace Cartier Paris, special order, 1968 & Crocodiles necklace special order, 1975 |
A new fact: a certain number of newly acquired pieces in the Cartier Collection are to be unveiled for the first time, in particular, Elizabeth Taylor’s ruby and diamond necklace, given to the actress by her husband Mike Todd, as well as the Duchess of Windsor’s flamingo brooch, created in collaboration with Jeanne Toussaint, from stones provided by the Duke.
A colourful creation, illuminated by a multicoloured plumage of calibrated sapphires, rubies and emeralds; this is a bold chromatic interpretation of a flamingo, in the tradition of a vision that is both realistic and poetic.
In addition, the Palace of Monaco has authorised the display of certain Cartier creations for the occasion, such as the diamond and ruby parure that Princess Grace wore in the official photographs of her marriage in 1956, both gifts from Prince Rainier III.
| Egyptian Striking Clock Cartier Paris, 1927 & Necklace 1951, altered in 1953 |
The presence of the Cartier Collection in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum may seem bold, yet the exhibition’s scenography by Jorge Varela based on a visual journey integrates seamlessly with the Museum’s mission. Alongside some of the world’s most famous paintings, the Cartier Collection expresses a blend of resonances and dialogue, from the heart of long-standing connections.
