Chapter three - article three
Anatomy of
a Panther
How exactly does the Maison manage to infuse the spirit of the panther into its creations like a secret signature? To find out more, the magazine did some investigating at the Design Studio.
The panther at the end
of a pencil
For Cartier designers, drawing the Panther is second nature. Throughout their careers, they have drawn the animal countless times, depicting it in all its postures. Like Jeanne Toussaint and Pierre Lemarchand, they regularly visit the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle or the Jardin des Plantes in Paris to sketch the animal up-close, bringing its essence to the page with lifelike precision.
The essence of the animal
Stylization reveals the Panther’s true spirit. This balancing act respects the feline’s anatomy and proportions, while simplifying its details. In a single stroke, the designer defines the Panther’s character, and the drawing conveys both energy and dynamism, as well as power and softness.
The panther’s spots
The Panther’s spots are all different and irregular, positioned on different planes to produce an organic, lifelike effect. In combination with the fur setting, this detail is a true Cartier signature.
Two-part sculpture
The sculpting work begins using a type of modeling clay, plastiline, and is finished with green wax. You have to be careful not to take too much off - there’s no going back. The collaboration between sculptor and designer is decisive: the animal comes to life while the material is refined.
Panthère de Cartier ring White gold, set with 591 brilliant-cut diamonds, emerald and onyx
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