Regarded as one of the greatest novelists of all time, very few writers have been as influential as the French literary artist Honoré de Balzac who lived between 1799 and 1850.
Next month, Montblanc will introduce its Writers Edition 2013 celebrating the epic contribution to world literature of this 19th century visionary. Featuring a fountain pen, roller ball, ballpoint pen and mechanical pencil, this collection of refined limited edition writing instruments pays tribute to the novelist and playwright who wrote nearly 100 novels and plays collectively known as La Comédie Humaine.
Regarded as the father of realism, Balzac is admired for his vivid portrayal of 19th century society with all the complex human characters, objects and environments that made up this rapidly changing world. The meticulous detailing of the collection of fine instruments mirrors the extraordinary attention to detail that was so important to Balzac in his writing.
The main inspiration for the design of this latest masterpiece comes from the Dandyism of 19th century European society, characterised by the aesthetic decadence and individual elegance of Balzac for whom style was an imperative. The precious black resin and grey lacquer of the barrel, with its guilloche refinement, references the typical cutaway of the trousers favoured by refined Parisian gentlemen. Whilst the oversized shape of the pen mirrors Balzacʼs bold stature, the clip embellished with turquoise lacquering on its top makes reference to the authorʼs richly decorated walking cane. The platinum and gold-plated rings encircling the instrument, from a fairly simple one at the cone to a sophisticated design at the cap top refer to the different classes that emerged in French society in the early 19th century, often a central theme in the works of Balzac.
Balzac’s very own initials “HB” are finely lasered on the rhodium-plated Au 750 gold nib. A simple reminder of the genius and pioneering work for which Honoré de Balzac is being honoured with Montblanc’s Writers Edition 2013. Beyond his vast opus, the French author’s influence lives in the works of many renowned writers who lived after him, spanning from Henry James and Charles Dickens to Marcel Proust and Edgar Allen Poe.
The Montblanc Writers Edition 2013 Honoré de Balzac is available in Montblanc boutiques worldwide from August 2013 priced at £680.00 including VAT.
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