In addition to its naturalist representations of wild animals, the Maison Cartier is also known for its more stylized and even abstract interpretations. The presence of a feline or reptile is subtly suggested by a detail in its anatomy, chosen for its graphic power. The first panther in the Maison’s history was rendered by its spotted coat, in 1914. Serpents, since the early days of the twentieth century, are also often interpreted by the scales or rendered by circles representing their ringed pattern.
In 2016, the Maison pushed the limits of abstraction even further with new animal interpretations. For the Cartier Magicien collection, the jeweler reaffirmed its passion for great civilizations, borrowing from Mesoamerican mythology and evoked its feathered serpent deity, Quetzalcoatl. Creativity and skill have combined to produce this innovative jewelry set. The astoundingly supple, sinuous lines of the necklace are adorned with feather motifs evoking the hybrid deity. A calligraphic stroke of black lacquer underscores the design, its depth creating a play of shadows and heightening the visual impression of movement. The piece seems to wind around the neck. The divine reptile’s organic character is enhanced by a mystical quality, symbolized by the sugarloaf rubellite whose magnetic charm imbues the piece with a powerful aura.