[Sur]Naturel Cartier: High Jewelry and Precious Objects

Description

Devoted to the new high jewelry and precious objects collection by Cartier, this book celebrates nature's vitality, sensuality, and aesthetic force. Documents from the House's archives show that flora and fauna have been a major source of inspiration at Cartier since the very beginning.The representations are numerous, and the interpretations complementary, from figurative to stylized, all the way to abstraction. The jeweler's imagination and virtuosity transform precious materials and stones into splendid ensembles. For this groundbreaking new collection, the designers venture into and beyond the natural universe: in addition to the species that have become emblematic of Cartier's art-such as panthers and crocodiles-they have imagined original creations inspired, for example, by succulents and peacocks, as well as fantastical creatures like reinvented chimeras. The collection is accompanied by text that highlights the privileged relationship between contemporary art and nature. Artists, fascinated by the power and the mystery of the environment that surrounds us, move beyond traditional art arenas to confront the immensity of landscapes or to work directly with materials from nature.

Francois Chaille is passionate about art history, fashion, jewelry and watchmaking; he has published fifteen works with Flammarion, including Magnitude, Coloratura, and The Cartier Collection: Timepieces. Helene Kelmachter is an art historian and exhibition curator. She worked with the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain for more than fifteen years. She was cultural attache at the French Embassy in Tokyo (2007?12) and in Buenos Aires (2014?18). She has curated numerous exhibitions in France, Japan, China, and Argentina devoted to contemporary art and artisanal craft.

"The book also takes a look back at Cartier's iconic pieces-all types of panthers, tigers and statement-making crocodiles, peacocks and a host of plant life that has been elevated to a level of artistic expression. If you are a Cartier fan and also have an affinity for nature, then this book is perfect for you." -FORBES.COM "This sumptuous book puts the contemporary collection in the context of Cartier's long-standing dedication to the natural world." -RAPAPORT MAGAZINE "...a must have for those who collect the many monographs that focus on this heritage brand and for any reader who relishes seeing the craftsmanship and finished product of this fine jewelry maison." -NEW YORK JOURNAL OF BOOKS "This richly illustrated volume celebrates the natural world through intricate bespoke ensembles, sometimes realistic and at other times figurative, but always dazzling." -INDULGE MAGAZINE