EMPERORS AND KINGS

Publisher ’s Message

EMPERORS AND KINGS

In putting this issue together I noticed the distinct and regal theme of emperors, kings and figureheads emerging, as we covered Montblanc’s 2021 Patron of Art, Napoléon Bonaparte; the noble Graf (German for count) von FaberCastell, with its namesake’s illustrious family seat, the ‘Pencil Palace’; and the ‘king’ of modern watchmaking, Richard Mille. Notably, each of these is responsible for shaping a nation, an industry or – more recently – a market. From the stages of Napoléon’s military career, highlighted by four limited editions, to his influence over art, architecture and the decorative arts – captured by a surprisingly bright blue ink, period correct to the pigments made from lapis lazuli found on Empire furniture – Montblanc celebrates Napoléon not only as a military conqueror, but as a master statesman, who took care to nurtured his nation’s civil life, as well.

Whether actual Emperor, or mere captain of industry, the powerful role of shaping the human and cultural landscape seemed deserving of celebration. And so, I conclude this issue with my own discovery of a distant 23rd cousin, H.R.H. Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia, and his quest to rebuild a nation torn by decades of communism and regional war. I invite you to join me for this remarkable story, and welcome you to the Fall issue of THE CIRCLE magazine.

J D Banck Publisher THE CIRCLE

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