Every year Montblanc presents a new Limited Edition writing instrument to pay tribute to historical figures who have left us a universal cultural legacy.
Thus, in this 2019 the Montblanc Patron of Art is dedicated to the Roman Emperor Hadrian (76 – 138 AD) considered one of the “Five Good Emperors”. A figure who ruled a vast empire from the British Isles to the Middle East. And in all those places he generated infrastructures and art of great quality.
So the tribute is more than deserved and that is why he has conceived these exceptional pieces:
Montblanc Patron of the Arts Homage to Hadrian Limited Edition
Montblanc Patron of Art Homage to Hadrian Limited Edition
Hadrian promoted the construction of numerous buildings, many of them with airy domes. A feature that inspires this new Montblanc jewel with its gold-plated cap. And also one of the favorite materials in the works of Hadrian was the Egyptian basalt, present in the same of the cap itself and the body of the piece. Besides that this stony characteristic makes each of the instruments of the Limited Edition unique.
Also striking is the clip coated in yellow gold and with a shape reminiscent of sheaves of wheat. Symbol of the goddess Demeter, Greek reference of Hadrian. Although the emperor’s fascination for the Hellenic culture is evident in more details such as the engraving of the phoenix on the nib or in the cap ring where there is a medallion that evokes the Greek hero Antinous, a true model for Hadrian.
Montblanc Patron of Art Limited Edition 888
Montblanc Patron of the Arts Limited Edition 888
Silver and mother of pearl dominate the cap of this new piece of Montblanc. A domed cap in its upper part as the most representative constructions of Hadrian’s government. Some domes in which were also common square coffers as ornament, something that also seems carved in the Montblanc piece.
And if we move to the body, its tone is red marble. But it is surrounded by a sinuous decoration in solid gold. A shape inspired by the figure of the god Janus, representing the beginning and the end. And again on the hand-made red gold nib is engraved the phoenix of Hadrian with a halo and a laurel leaf.
Montblanc Patron of Art Limited Edition 76
Montblanc Patron of the Arts Limited Edition 76
Why the edition of this Montblanc piece has been limited to 76 units? It’s very simple. The Emperor Hadrian was born in the year 76, possibly in the Betica province of Roman Hispania, very close to the current Seville..
In this case, the rich materials used are white gold and matte Egyptian basalt. To which is added the mother-of-pearl for the Montblanc emblem that stands out on the cap. In this stone appears carved a peacock carved by hand in contrast. A bird that represents immortality and that appeared in the mausoleum of Hadrian.
Montblanc Patron of Art Limited Edition 5
Montblanc Patron of the Arts Limited Edition 5
And the last of the creations for this unique tribute to Hadrian is this piece of which there are only five units. Just as only five Roman emperors have gone down in history with the qualifier of “good”.
Several elements already seen in the previous objects reappear here. For example, the peacock on the body or the phoenix on the nib with the laurel leaf and the halo. But there are also other details such as the shapes reminiscent of the exquisite Roman mosaics. All in a piece that brings together solid gold Au 750, solid white gold, navy blue sapphires, pavé, black and white crystals on stucco, and two-tone gold.
In short, writing instruments with the precision, elegance, quality and accuracy that characterize Montblanc creations and certainly at the height of the historic patron of the arts honored this year.
