Hermès Grand Manege Scarf

Volte, half-volte, spiral, diagonal, serpentine… the dressage figures describe curves, loops and scrolls in space. Laid on a saddle rug, this harmonious sequence of cloth, leather and metal appears to originate in the traces left on the ground by the arabesques that riders and horses practise for hours on end. True, the Grand Manège riding arena at the Cadre Noire of Saumur is not square, but the design of this silk square draws on some pieces of harness belonging to the famous French riding school. Cleverly blended as though joined to each other, the stuff knotted with rosettes to plait into the charger’s mane, the cockade to decorate the horses’ ears, leather reins and cheek strap, cloth reins and snaffle straps, round-soled stirrups… the equestrian art is born of the mysterious interweaving of humility, patience and beauty.