Any aficionado of the Hermès Carré will undoubtedly recognize the House’s enduring fascination with the horse. Since the introduction of the carré in 1937, equestrian themes have graced countless designs. From scarves showcasing a single horse, such as the Frontaux et Cocardes, to those depicting a cavalcade of steeds, like the one we are exploring today, and even those celebrating equestrian venues and paraphernalia, Hermès has woven the horse into the fabric of its silk heritage, with over 250 equestrian-themed scarves produced to date.
[Link to the Inspiration for this design]
Although, the fashion house is known today the world over for its timeless luxury goods, its founder, Thierry Hermes started as a saddle and harness maker and so the love affair with the horse is began.
The Presentation de Chevaux is as the name suggests, a presentation of various horses to most likely their potential buyers.
Throughout history, the horse is used in war for speed and transportation and agriculture for strength and stamina. In the seventeenth century the horse undergoes a transformation from a utility animal to one where beauty and aesthetics begin to play an important role. As horses are being used in urban settings more and more to pull fancy carriages and coaches, the physical appearance of a horse becomes more and more important.
It is this new element that buyers now must consider as well, hence it is the prudent seller, who will present his horses “properly”.
Inspired, as are many other carrés, by an artifact from Emile-Maurice Hermes‘ vast collection, the Presentation de Chevaux takes its inspiration (and name) from the painting by Peter Snayers a Dutch master, which hangs in the private museum just above the Flagship store on 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
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