The title of the CHATEAUX D’ARRIERE carre that Julia Abadie designed for Hermès in 1974 can be at first glance confusing.
Why?
There are ships but no “châteaux” featured in this bold design.
That is because in French château(x) d’arrière means sterncastle(s), which is also known as after- or aftcastle, typically a quite ornate rear portion of a sailing ship. This part of the ship houses the captains cabin and possibly those of other high ranking officers.Le Soleil Royal (Château arrière) 17th century flagship of the French Royal Fleet (photo courtesy http://theudericus.free.fr/)
Madame Abadie is not the only Hermès artist to feature this typically highly ornate part of a sailing ship, the Château Arrière, in her design; others have done as well.
Here are some rather opulent examples – enjoy.
France Hermès carre by Christiane Vauzelles from 1962 – SOLDThe popular and quite stunning Hermes La Reale – Vue du Carrosse de la Galère by Hugo Grygkar was first issued in 1953 – SOLDRare Hermes Armada silk scarf by Christiane Vauzelles from 1976 – SOLDThe La Marine a Rames Hermes scarf was started by Philippe Ledoux and finished after his death in 1975 by his nephew Vladimir Rybaltchenko – SOLDMarie-Françoise Héron designed the Grande Marine in 1979 – SOLDCHATEAUX D’ARRIERE HERMÈS SCARF BY JULIA ABADIE 90 CM SILK EARLY VINTAGE NIB – SOLD
