Montblanc Commemorates Life Of Duke Of Milan With Limited Edition Fountain Pens

Next month, Montblanc will be introducing this year’s Patron of Art Edition writing instruments.

For 22 years, the luxury brand headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, has celebrated the contribution of a different historical patron of the arts and coincides with the annual Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Awards, an honour established in 1992 to recognise the commitment of modern-day patrons of the arts in 12 countries.

The latest Patron of Art Edition, with its Solid Gold Limited Edition 888 and its Sterling Silver Limited Edition 4810 fountain pens priced at £6,400 and £1,765 respectively (including VAT), celebrates the life of Ludovico Sforza (1452 – 1508), the Duke of Milan, a shrewd ruler and an ambitious diplomatist who had an insatiable passion for the arts, transforming the Italian city into one of the most magnificent courts in Europe. Under the Duke’s patronage, Leonardo Da Vinci created his most famous works including the ‘Last Supper’ and the ‘Lady with an Ermine’.

The monumental Castello Sforzesco in Milan, home to the prestigious ducal dynasty is the inspiration for the Editions’ cap and clip design which boats distinctive cylindrical towers. The writing instrument’s fittings replicate the pattern Da Vinci, used in his fresco in the “Sala delle Asse” or “Chamber of Boards”, as well as in the Mona Lisa’s robes and ornaments. The initials engraved on the cap’s ring originate from the “Testone”, a silver coin issued in honour of Ludovico Sforza during the Milanese Renaissance.

The blue lacquered cap and barrel of the Limited Edition 888 are embellished with Da Vinci’s pattern in dark translucent blue. The fountain pen’s solid gold fittings contrast with majestic blue lacquer, reflecting the vibrant colour of the ceiling fresco. Crowned with the distinctive Montblanc emblem in fine mother-of-pearl and with its cone adorned with the Duke’s coat of arms, this writing masterpiece is a fitting representation of the magnificence of Sforza’s court.

In contrast, the Limited Edition 4810’s cap and barrel are crafted from precious black lacquer featuring Da Vinci’s intricate designs in silver. The 925 Sterling Silver fountain pen is crowned with the Montblanc star in white precious resin. The 750 rhodium plated solid gold nib of the Edition is engraved with the Duke’s coat of arms, a final acknowledgement to a lasting cultural legacy.