The genius of Monsieur Ledoux. [Link to his Bio]
The Hermès Fiacres (hackney carriages) scarf is rather rare. Issued in 1965 it has to my knowledge not been reissued.
As the name suggests, the Fiacres carré is a lively depiction of various horse-drawn carriages that were used for hire – the hackney carriages of their time.
These elegant vehicles, with their elegant horses and liveried drivers, were the taxis of the 19th century, offering convenient transportation for Parisians and other city dwellers alike.
Today’s Waymo and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have essentially taken the place of the fiacre, providing on-demand transportation with just a few taps on a screen. The Fiacres carré serves as a charming reminder of how transportation has evolved while still fulfilling the same essential function – connecting people and moving them through the urban landscape.
This design has never been reissued
Ledoux masterfully captures their energy as they rush to and fro. The fiacres are repeated throughout the design in various configurations, colors and styles creating a dynamic and energetic pattern.
A unique aspect of this design is the clever perspective shift.
Initially, we observe the fiacres from a ground-level perspective. However, as our eye follows the pattern line by line, the viewpoint subtly shifts, mimicking the sensation of ascending the Eiffel Tower and gazing down upon the bustling scene below.
Splendid Monsieur Ledoux! [A link to the artist’s biography]
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