This beautiful carré is officially titled Voltaire but is many times referred to as Sanssoucy after the Potsdam palace of Frederick the Great. This beautiful collaboration between Loic Dubigeon and Jean-Hubert Pinxit was issued in 1994, though only Dubigeon is typically credited, despite both artists signing the work.
If your travels take you to Germany, please in addition to visiting Neu Schwanstein, which we all know is a “must”, also visit Sanssouci on the outskirts of Berlin. I promise, you will not be disappointed.
photo courtesy ernstol
Sanssouci (German spelling) was the summer residence of Frederick the Great and was built in the French Rococo style of Versailles, albeit on a much smaller scale. Designed by the renowned architect, Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff, who is famous for his other castles in Germany. Construction began in 1745 and was completed two years later. Fredrick’s summer residence was to be a sanctuary. Here the King of Prussia was to live carefree, away from the hussle and bussle of the court in Berlin. The name Sanssouci, sans souci i.e. without concern was to symbolize this carefree lifestyle.
As noted earlier, this scarf is officially named Voltaire. But why? To understand, we must delve deeper into history. It was at Sanssouci, the Prussian palace, where the renowned French philosopher was a prominent guest and tutor to Frederick the Great.
This scarf so beautifully captures the student and his teacher amidst the serene surroundings of Sanssouci.
The relationship between Voltaire and Frederick lasted fifty years but although admiration continued throughout, their world and political views took different turns. As one historian put it “their friendship experienced the tumult of disagreements and diverging interests”. Both men are associated with the beginnings of modern France and modern Germany respectively.
Of course it is not lost on us, that Hermès chose not one but two male artists to create it, a collaboration that is not at all typical for the Fashion House.
There is what I am guessing perhaps a Special Issue of the Voltaire carré issued in honor of Jean-Louis Dumas, who as the chairman of Hermes for over 30 years made it into the global luxury brand that is today.
© Hermès is the exclusive property of HERMES OF PARIS, Inc., subsidiary of HERMES INTERNATIONAL
All content is the property of Carre de Paris© 2010-2025