The artistry of Jean-Louis Clerc

Les Boxes Hermes Silk Scarf_
Boxes Hermès Carré by Jean-Louis Clerc (2006)

As much as I love the traditional carres of Philippe Ledoux and Hugo Grygkar, I cannot deny the magnetism of Jean-Louis Clerc’s uninhibited style.

His loosely drawn scenes unfold in front of us; drawing us in.

Les Boxes Hermes Silk Scarf_-4

There is movement everywhere. So much is happening in a Jean-Louis Clerc carre!

Les Boxes Hermes Silk Scarf_-2

Born in Switzerland in 1908, Jean-Louis Clerc was quite an accomplished artist.  In addition to being a painter, Clerc was a cartoonist, illustrator, journalist and a writer.

He studied at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Geneva and finished his studies at Konstfack, University of Arts, Crafts and Design in Stockholm.

Today, he is probably best known for his ten Hermes scarves.

Hermes Vintage Silk Scarf Paddock Champs de Course Very RARE

His most reissued carre is Paddock, where patrons, jockeys and their horses mingle before a race.

Interestingly, several of Monsieur Clerc’s designs, such as the Les Boxes, Concerto and Swinging St. Germaine were introduced after his death in 1961.

Here is a sampling of Monsieur Clerc’s Hermes scarves…

Concerto, Jean-Louis Clerc, 1963 – SOLD –

La Soiree a L’Opera – Soirée de Gala Hermès Carré by Jean-Louis Clerc (1950) – original issue
Hermes Silk Soiree de Gala Reissue NIB-2
a 2006 reissue

Grand Prix de Polo de Bagatelle Hermès Carré by Jean-Louis Clerc (1955)

Les Boxes Hermes Silk Scarf_-11
Boxes Hermès Carré by Jean-Louis Clerc (2006)

4 thoughts on “The artistry of Jean-Louis Clerc

  1. Beatrice De Montmollin

    I have 2 Jean Louis scarves,signed but no Hermes mention on them.
    Could they be preparatory drawings ?
    I found them in my mother’s scarves. She was born Clerc from the same family.

    1. Carre de Paris

      Hello Beatrice, Thank you for contacting me and my apologies for the late response. I have been traveling. That sounds very interesting. Any chance you could send me some photos? I would love to have a look. I look forward to hearing more, Ladi

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