NEWSROOM

The Fée Ondine automaton, love and nature are highlighted at the third edition of Homo Faber, in Venice

Exhibition - August 27, 2024

The Fée Ondine automaton, love and nature are highlighted at the third edition of Homo Faber, in Venice. Van Cleef & Arpels.

Van Cleef & Arpels is pleased to announce its participation to the third edition of Homo Faber, from September 1st to 30th, 2024. Visitors are invited to embark on The Journey of Life at the Giorgio Cini Foundation, located on the San Giorgio Maggiore Island in Venice, Italy.

The Fée Ondine automaton

The history of automata is closely intertwined with the emergence and development of watches, as well as the mastery of mechanics. As part of this tradition, in 2017, Van Cleef & Arpels created its first Extraordinary Object: the Fée Ondine automaton. This unique piece is the result of seven years’ work and close collaboration with automaton maker François Junod. At the crossroads of jewelry and watchmaking, it brings together the expertise of seasoned craftsmen: lapidaries, jewelers, gem-setters, enamellers and woodworkers.

    Positionning of the aquamarine in a diamond headdress. Fée Ondine automaton, Van Cleef & Arpels.

    Positionning of the aquamarine in a diamond headdress

    Assembling of the Fée Ondine. Van Cleef & Arpels.

    Assembling of the Fée Ondine

    Close-up on the butterfly. Fée Ondine automaton, Van Cleef & Arpels.

    Close-up on the butterfly

    Positioning of the top on the cabinet. Fée Ondine automaton, Van Cleef & Arpels.

    Positioning of the top on the cabinet

The Mystery Set™ and flora, signatures of the Maison

Poppy clip, 1952. Platinum, yellow gold, Mystery Set rubies, diamonds. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection.

Reflecting the creative boldness and technical innovation that have driven the maison since its inception, the Mystery Set™ is one of Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic forms of savoir-faire. Patented in 1933, it introduced a new way of setting precious stones designed to preserve their beauty. Its secret lies in its gold rails, into which stones – expressly and meticulously cut – are individually inserted.

The Maison applies its emblematic savoir-faire to bring exceptional creations to life, in various fields, especially flora. For instance, The Mystery Set™ flourishes on the Poppy clip (1952), giving its petals an exceptional brilliance. 

Fascinated by nature, Van Cleef & Arpels welcomed the blossoming of its first flower in 1907 in the form of a Daisy clip. This fondness for flora has been perpetuated over the years through both figurative and stylised pieces.

Lovebirds

Combining two of its major sources of inspiration, love and nature, Van Cleef & Arpels launched its Lovebirds jewels in the 1940s. These birds are known for their fidelity, keeping the same partner throughout their lives. Mostly shown perched on a branch, these bird pieces are designed in either a naturalistic or a more humorous style.

Luca Guadagnino and architect Nicolò Rosmarini bring their vision and creativity to the art direction of Homo Faber 2024. From childhood to travel, romance to dreams, this event showcases the craftsmanship behind the objects that accompany life’s most precious moments.

  • The Fée Ondine automaton, love and nature are highlighted at the third edition of Homo Faber, in Venice

     

    Dates: from September 1st to 30th, 2024 

     

    Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00am to 7:00pm 

    Location: Fondazione Giorgio Cini 

    Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore, 30133 Venice, Italy

     

    To prepare your visit, click here