Cartier Unveils Exhibition Examining the Impact of Islamic Art

For the first time, the public may observe Cartier's design process and the influence of Islamic art on its early development.

Image: Cartier

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris has inaugurated the exhibition "Cartier and Islamic Art: In Search of Modernity."

The exhibition examines the impact of Islamic art on Cartier's high jewellery design and showcases valuable artifacts from the early 20th century to the present. Over 500 items from the Cartier Collection, among private and public loans, masterpieces of Islamic art, drawings, books, photographs, and archival documents, collectively illustrate the jeweller's fascination with Islamic elements.

Image: Cartier

Established in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, Maison Cartier originally focused on the sale of jewelry and art. In 1898, after bequeathing the legacy to his grandson, Louis Cartier, the Cartier brand commenced designing its own jewelry. At that time, Louis Cartier was in pursuit of fresh inspiration, aligning with the Islamic art trade in Paris, while the Musée des Arts Décoratifs facilitated his discovery of novel forms permeating French society.

The exhibition is structured as a thematic chronological tour, segmented into two halves. The initial section examines the roots of the fascination with Islamic art and architecture within the cultural context of 20th-century Paris. The second section examines the vocabulary of forms influenced by Islamic art, spanning from the 20th century to the present.

Image: Cartier

The personal collection of Louis has been rebuilt from the archives of House Cartier and design drawings by Charles Jacqueau, facilitated by a loan from the Petit Palais, Fine Arts Museum of Paris.

The show further examines Jacqueau’s journeys for Cartier, notably his 1911 visit to India, when he engaged with Maharajahs to exchange diamonds and pearls for entry into the nation. The commerce allowed him to cultivate contacts with Maharajahs while also acquiring antique and contemporary jewelry.

The motifs and forms derived from Islamic architecture and art formed essential components of Cartier’s designers' artistic lexicon. Islamic art continues to be integral to the Cartier portfolio, as evidenced by the modern jewelry segment that complements the display.

For the first time, the public may observe the design process of one of the world's most esteemed jewellers, the House of Cartier. The exhibition enables viewers to comprehend the influence of Islamic art on Cartier. The show is scheduled from today, November 3, until February 20, 2022.

Another Cartier event is The Hour Glass and Cartier's pop-up dedicated to the classic watches, the Cartier Tank. Hosted in Singapore at The Hour Glass Malmaison, this unique event provides insights into the watch's design and includes a segment where attendees may customize their own Tank Must masterpiece.

In jewellery news, a woman from Northern England discovered a remarkable 34-carat diamond while cleaning her house. Initially perceiving it as an inexpensive costume jewelry item, she ultimately sought a valuation, which revealed its worth to exceed US$2 million. The diamond will be auctioned at the month's conclusion.