Genève | Rue du Rhône

Creation Details

Genève, Rue du Rhône is an Atelier WOCS creation, meticulously crafted in the Geneva ateliers, where artistic mastery captures the timeless prestige of the city’s most emblematic boulevard. Singularly handcrafted by skilled artisans, this composition embodies the harmony between heritage and refinement.

Produced in a limited edition of 50 numbered pieces, each artwork is authenticated by the Maison’s seal, individually signed and numbered, and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

The Story Behind

A journey to Geneva remains incomplete without experiencing the allure of Rue du Rhône, the epitome of luxury and elegance, boasting an array of high-end boutiques. Until the 15th century, this prestigious boulevard marked the shoreline of Lake Geneva and the Rhône River, encapsulating a rich historical backdrop that enhances its charm.

Depicted in the artwork is the iconic "Place du Molard", a vibrant square with a rich history. Revered as the economic heartbeat of Geneva since the 16th century, it is one of the city's most ancient commercial hubs. The term "molard" translates to "raised ground" in Latin, referencing the dyke that historically shielded the port, whose origins as a port date back to 1271.

The 16th century witnessed the transformation of the Molard district into a bustling economic nucleus, complete with warehouses, customs offices, hotels, a myriad of artisanal shops, public scribes, notary benches, and printing houses. The area evolved further with the emergence of a fish and poultry market within new halls established in 1690.

Dominating the square is the historic Molard Tower, also known as the Clock Tower. This enduring structure served as part of the defensive fortification protecting the Molard port in medieval times. Adorned in 1906 with a painted frieze from the dismantled house of Rolle, the tower showcases the coats of arms of the key figures in the Reformation history and a sculpture, christened "Geneva City of Refuge".

A mesmerizing sight at Place du Molard is the illumination of its cobblestones during the night, each emanating a gentle glow, creating an enchanting vista resembling a star-studded sky. These 1857 radiant cobblestones, each inscribed with words in multiple languages, create a beautiful tapestry of light and language on the ground.

Adding a unique layer of linguistic diversity, 9 languages, including the six official languages of the United Nations - English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic, have been employed to translate the simple words and expressions gracing the cobblestones. These translations, proposed by the artist Christian Robert-Tissot, breathe life into the square, echoing its historic voice and the multicultural narrative it has been a part of.

Finishing and Gifting

For a bespoke framing selection, kindly indicate your preference at checkout. If intended as a gift, a discreet invoice excluding pricing can be included, along with a personalized handwritten note.

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