Montblanc pays tribute to the founder of the Academie Francaise, Cardinal Richelieu. Consecrated as a bishop in 1608, he later entered politics, becoming a Secretary of State in 1616. Richelieu soon rose in both the Catholic Church and the French government, becoming a Cardinal in 1622, and King Louis XIII’s chief minister in 1624. He remained in office until his death in 1642.
Richelieu was also famous for his patronage of the arts; most notably, he founded the Académie Française, the learned society responsible for matters pertaining to the French language.
Limited Edition 40
Creator of the Academie Francaise, Richelieu was instrumental in uniting France under King Louis XIII. He succeeded in preventing the fragmentaion of France and uniting the nation under the authority of the King. In order to extend this policy of unification to the language and culture since the day it was founded, the mission of the Academie Francaise had been to create a clearly defined solid foundation for the french language in all its richness and to protect the language as French cultural heritage.
The 40 “immortels,” the members of the Academie elected for life, have however, always been regarded not only as protectors of the written and spoken language, but also as its patrons:
With the same passion as displayed by Cardinal Richelieu in protecting and promoting the French language, a filigree pattern of the olive groves entwines itself around the 750 solid gold barrel. A portrait of Cardinal Richelieu is 750 solid gold inlaid with 30 diamonds (0,15 ct.) is artistically set into the cap made of highly polished black onyx. The Montblanc star, made of mother-of-pearl, is embedded in a masterfully worked cone.
Launch 2004
Limitation:
Fountain Pens 40
