Object Description
A fine framed Hermès 90 silk square of Ludvicus Magnus (Louis XIV) designed by Françoise de la Perriere, circa 1963, predominantly in pink and gold, showing the Sun King in full court dress on a rearing grey stallion, the borders comprising the symbols of office, panoplies of war, an order of chivalry on a chain and a bugle, all below a sunburst, a label stating ‘Hermès-Paris’. French, circa 1963.
Published: Shown in another colourway in Geneviève Fontan ‘Carres d’Art: Dictionaire Illustré des Carrés Hermès’, Paris 2024, p.156.
Footnote: This scarf, by Françoise de La Perriere, features French King Louis XIV, riding in full court dress on a grey stallion in a rearing pose. King Louis XIV was known as the Sun King, this nickname is reflected in the golden sun at the top of the scarf – in a style very similar and look to the cherubic faces in the Palace of Versailles gates*.
This scarf was first issued in 1963 and has remained a popular style, with reissues in the 80s and 90s. Françoise has created over 30 designs for Hermès, with this one being a typical example of her highly detailed and elaborate style. As with all Hermès scarves the intricacies of the scarf make it really stand out not just as a piece of fashion but also a work of art.
Reference: *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Royal_Gate_of_the_Palace_of_Versailles
Reference: https://www.mylittlehermescollection.com/francoise-de-la-perriere.html