Philippe Ledoux’s 1971 Entente Cordiale carré: history, beautifully woven into silk.
Originally titled Napoleon III, this elusive design, which Hermès also issued as an Opera Scarf, a rare reversible shawl and the precursor to today’s Maxi Twilly, further underscores its rarity and historical significance.
A Name Change Reflecting History:
The name was later changed to reflect the historical meeting between France and England that it commemorates: the Entente Cordiale, or Cordial Understanding/Agreement.
This name change aligns it with Hermès’ earlier Entente Cordiale Château d’Eu 1843 carré, celebrating the 1843 meeting between King Louis-Philippe and Queen Victoria. [Link to Blog Post]
That earlier visit was a watershed moment, marking the first time a British monarch had set foot on French soil in three centuries. Notably, the subsequent meeting depicted in Ledoux’s design was the first time a British monarch set foot on Parisian soil.
Napoleon III’s Vision for Reconciliation:
Having spent years in exile in England, Napoleon III deeply admired British society and culture. Determined to avoid the disastrous path of his uncle, Napoleon I, who imposed crippling trade restrictions on Britain and suffered a humiliating naval defeat at Trafalgar against Lord Nelson, Napoleon III sought to foster a lasting and sincere reconciliation with his former host nation. He employed every diplomatic tool at his disposal to cultivate this Entente Cordiale, laying the groundwork for a more harmonious relationship between the two nations.
Ledoux’s Artistic Chronicle of a Pivotal Event:
Ledoux masterfully captures this pivotal moment, depicting the 1855 meeting between the two monarchs at Versailles. The design showcases key moments of this historic visit: Napoleon III’s and Victoria’s journey to Paris, and the splendid reception held in her honor at Versailles on August 25th.
