THE GROTESQUES - Three
fountain pens each from the Vatican Museums.
The Vatican Museum Collection Pen series is the limited-edition Le
Grottesche (the grotesques) launched 11 September at the Vatican
Museums. Le Grottesche, produced directly by the Vatican Museums to a design
by Museo Vivo, are distributed in Italy by T.M.A. Pen Diffusion. The element
that makes these pens so distinctive is the reproduction on the barrel and
cap of decorative work from the ceilings of the rooms of Pope Julius II by
Raphael. These decorations, executed by the Florentine master from 1508,
draw their inspiration from the grotesques-ornamental motifs that decorated
the Baths of Titus (Domus Aurea), discovered while Raphael was working on
the rooms. The collection comprises three finishes. Mr. Riccardi from the
Vatican Museums points out that "since the pens are made directly by us
we can reproduce images from artworks held by the museums. Like all our
products, a part of the proceeds from sales will go toward refurbishing the
museums. The Vatican Museum Collection Pen is not only connected with the
Jubilee year in 2000, and it's quite likely that more pens will be produced
in the future.
Shape and materials.
The beauty of this pen with its linear design lies in its Raphael-inspired
decorations. These geometric and floral designs in precious metals adorn
both the cap and barrel. Beneath the decorative work, the barrel is in
hand-turned, hand-polished black hard rubber. The overlays are available in
rhodium and platinum-plated sterling, or vermeil in yellow or pink gold.
Cap.
The cap features the same decorative work as the barrel and is also in black
hard rubber. The overlay is available in silver, yellow gold vermeil, or
pink gold vermeil. Clip. The plain clip incorporates a handy pressure
system.
Gold Fountain Pen
Nib.
The 18-karat gold nib stands out for its decorative work and the logo of the
Vatican Museums-two stylized keys. Its air hole is an original half-moon
shape. The pen is available with a medium nib only.
Filling system.
The pen takes a standard cartridge or converter. The blind end cap can be
removed to access the converter or to fill the pen without removing the
section joint.
Packaging
The pens sell in elegant velvet cases. The case is marked with the Vatican
Museums logo and contains the warranty.
Pink Gold Fountain Pen
Silver Fountain Pen
