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King François I left his mark on France’s national culture as a royal Patron of the arts. The design of the Limited Edition François I fountain pen pays tribute to the life and work of the French Renaissance King. Splendid insignia of royal power blend harmoniously with artistic expression. The Edition 4810 pen features a tiger-eye gemstone, a reference to a charm worn by François I, contrasting with the black precious resin of the cap and barrel. Ornamental Renaissance patterns are masterfully engraved on the elaborately modelled clip and gold-plated rings, giving the pen its royal aura.

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The specially designed 18 K gold nib bears the engraved symbol of the French Royal house: the French lily. The ivory-coloured Montblanc emblem on the top of the cap completes the regal appearance of this unique writing instrument.

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François I was France’s first Renaissance king, crowned in 1515 in the Reims cathedral. During his reign, François I brought France to artistic and cultural ascendancy. A passionate poet, he was known for improving the royal library and making himself available to the public. As the founder of the Collège de France in Paris, which still exists today, he introduced the study of Latin, Greek and Hebrew. His policy in 1536 helped the French dispense with Latin as the language of bureaucracy. Famous artists were invited by François I to move to France. They included Leonardo da Vinci, who brought the “Mona Lisa” to Paris and worked at the king’s court until his death.

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Other world-famous works of art by Michelangelo, Titian and Raphael were also brought to France at the kings’ request. Many Renaissance artists accepted the invitation to work at the French court under his patronage. As the patron of arts and culture, King Francois I laid the foundations for the royal collection of paintings, which is to this day on display in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

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Launch: March 2008
Limited to: 4,810 fountain pens

 

• 18 K gold nib
• Semi-precious tiger-eye barrel
• Black precious resin with gold-plated ornamental work
• Ivory-coloured Montblanc emblem

Launch: May 2008
Limited to: 888 fountain pens

 

• 750 white gold
• Authentic mother-of-pearl cap and barrel
• Rhodium-plated 18 K gold nib with a unique engraving