An avant-garde masterpiece
First unveiled last Fall to celebrate the Maison’s 280th anniversary in Paris in occasion of the reveal of the new cuvée d’exception Collection Impériale Création NO.1, the avant-garde artwork today finds its home in the Galerie Impériale, a spectacular new focal point of the visitor’s tour of the cellars.
A Masterpiece that Captures the Art of Moët & Chandon’s Craft
Daniel Arsham’s monumental relief, one of the acclaimed artist’s newest creations, is 3 meters long and 1.3 meters high. The splendid artwork captures core elements that illustrate the heritage of the House: two central putti, raise a plaque adorned with "1743," the year the House was founded by Claude Moët; a female mythological figure – the Greek deity “Pheme,” personification of fame and renown - joyously toots a trumpet, resounding far and wide the reputation of the House; the architectural façade of the Château de Saran evokes the family saga of the Maison; the sprawling vineyards recall the abundance of the House’s natural estate and the diversity of the Champagne region; and a wooden wine barrel pays tribute to the wine expertise and imperial connection that distinguishes the House.
Arsham chose a white cast resin as the medium for his masterpiece, a knowing nod to the chalky soils of the Champagne region that grace the walls of the cellars. Subtle traces of visible erosion instill a sense of the passage of time in the artwork, both an Arsham signature and an enigmatic element that infuses the piece with a timeless quality.
The Genesis of the Wall Relief
Arsham’s piece was inspired directly by a stained-glass panel that has graced the entrance of House’s cellars since the 1890s. The artist first discovered that panel on a tour of the Moët & Chandon estate in the company of Benoît Gouez. He was enthralled by the allegorical richness of the panel which weaves well-chosen symbols to depict the renown of the House, the abundance of its vineyards and the expertise of its winemakers.
Limited edition bottle by Daniel Arsham
These exquisite artist-designed objects transcend their utilitarian purpose as collectibles that will endure long after the champagne they hold is savored, enchanting discerning owners for years to come.
