The Fee Ondine Automaton: Love and Nature at Homo Faber, Venice

The Fee Ondine automaton, love and nature take center stage at the third edition of Homo Faber, in Venice.

Exhibition – August 27, 2024

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

The Fee Ondine automaton

The history of automatons is closely tied to the emergence and development of watchmaking, as well as the mastery of mechanics. As part of this tradition, in 2017 Van Cleef & Arpels created its first Extraordinary Object: the Fee Ondine automaton. This one-of-a-kind piece is the result of seven years of work and close collaboration with automaton maker Francois Junod. At the crossroads of jewelry and watchmaking, it brings together the mastery of consummate craftspeople: lapidaries, jewelers, gem-setters, enamellers and cabinetmakers.

The mysterious ensemble and flora, hallmarks of the Maison.

A reflection of the creative daring and technical innovation that have driven the Maison since its beginnings, the Mystery Set™ is one of the iconic forms of Van Cleef & Arpels’ 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 the stones, cut with precision and meticulous care, are individually inserted.

The Maison applies its signature savoir-faire to bring exceptional creations to life across various themes, especially in the realm of flora. For example, the Mystery Set™ adorns the Poppy brooch (1952), giving its petals an exceptional shine.

Fascinated by nature, Van Cleef & Arpels celebrated the blossoming of its first flower in 1907 with a daisy brooch. This fondness for flora has continued over the years through figurative and stylized pieces.

Lovebirds

Combining two of its main sources of inspiration, love and nature, Van Cleef & Arpels launched its Lovebirds jewelry in the 1940s. These birds are known for their fidelity, keeping the same partner for life. Usually depicted perched on a branch, these bird-shaped jewelry pieces are designed in either a naturalistic style or with a touch of humor.