PAC 2016: Of Horses and Men

Of Horses and Men
The Émile Hermès Collection

May 20 - October 16, 2016

Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archaeology (PAC) is hosting a new, world exclusive, temporary exhibition Of Horses and Men – The Émile Hermès Collection. This exhibition takes a look at the history of men and horses through objects from the private collection of the French businessman Émile Hermès, a prominent figure from the renown fashion establishment Maison Hermès in Paris. The photo below shows the Duc carriage which became a part of the iconic Hermès logo that was created and implemented in the 1950s. The logo depicts a Duc carriage with a horse. It represents the company’s beginnings as the horse harness and saddle manufacturer.

Founded in Paris in 1837, the Hermès company was born during the era when the horse was king. It was under the leadership of Émile Hermès (1871-1951), who was the Hermès enterprise founder’s grandson, that the firm truly took off, adapting its products to the new lifestyles of an elite clientèle. As cars began to take over, replacing the horse’s transportation function in the daily life, the saddle maker who become the everyday-use-leather-goods merchant and later an avant-garde couturier, realized the urgency of preserving the threatened treasures of equestrian heritage. This is how his equestrian collection came to life.

For five months, the North American and international public will have the opportunity to explore Émile Hermès' collection. For the first time in its history, Hermès of Paris has agreed to share over 300 unique objects, which travelled to Montreal from their offices at 24 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. This rich collection - in terms of both history and heritage - traces the history of the horse and its relationship with man. Until now, only a few privileged visitors have been able to see the collection that has been housed on a reserved floor at the prestigious Maison Hermès Parisian address.

Ever since horse came into man's life, artists have strived to express its beauty, strength, and courage, bringing famous, historical, and even mythical horses like Pegasus (the winged horse of Greek mythology) back to life. The horse also became a sign of wealth and power. It was associated with the monarchy, nobility, bourgeoisie, and prestigious racing stables. 

The Hermès collection includes an attractive and informative selection of paintings by great and lesser-known masters, as well as bronzes, engravings, and drawings. It focuses on historical and cultural aspects of horse's role in man's life. 

Below is a photo of Philippe Dumas, author, illustrator, and Émile Hermès's grandson, as he speaks about his grandfather's collection at the PAC Museum's press conference.

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Hover your mouse over photos for description and credits.

For more information, visit the PAC Museum website.