Montblanc & the Maria Callas Estate

join forces for the creation of  Muses 2023 Maria Callas Special Edition 

The Montblanc Muses writing instrument collection is dedicated to the women who have left an indelible mark on culture and society, one that can still be felt today.  The thoughtful design details of each edition reflect each muse’s unique characteristics and her extraordinary legacy.

The latest Montblanc Muses Maria Callas Special Edition pays tribute to the artist hailed as ‘La Divina’ – the divine one – due to of her deeply moving voice combined with her elegant style and dramatic instinct. With her talent, passion and charisma, Maria Callas rose to fame as the ultimate operatic diva performing in major opera houses around the world. The star that shone so brightly in life carries on enthralling new generations through her recorded legacy as one of the greatest sopranos in the history of music.

Born in 1923 in New York City to Greek parents, Callas studied music in Athens and made her professional debut in the same city. Her international career started in Verona in 1947, then Venice and Florence, where she sang the title role of Bellini’s Norma, becoming her signature role. Callas made her much-anticipated debut at the New York Metropolitan Opera in 1956, gracing the cover of Time magazine to mark the occasion. Her career would soar with new roles added to her repertoire until she withdrew from the stage for the dazzling life of international jet-setting. Even though she was able to retire in style, she continued to appear in occasional concerts and recordings over the years until her death in 1977.

While Maria Callas possessed a vocal range of almost three octaves, exceeding traditional definitions of soprano singing, she was a woman who also knew how to captivate with her breathtaking looks. The precious turquoise resin of the cap and barrel of the Montblanc Muses Maria Callas Special Edition highlights one of her favourite colours, while the overall shape of the writing instrument reflects Maria Callas’ graceful beauty with its slender, elegant silhouette.

With her choice of roles, Maria Callas revived the richly ornamental repertoire of the bel canto tradition. A costume detail from one of her most recognizable bel canto roles, Bellini’s Norma, is reflected in a pattern of laurel leaves surrounding the platinum-coated cone of the edition along with the embossed signature of the soprano. The laurel design is a reference to the now iconic image of Maria Callas as the druid priestess singing the famous ‘Casta Diva’ aria from the tragic opera in flowing white robes and a laurel wreath.

In addition to being ‘La Callas’ on stage, the soprano also became a style icon who enchanted the world. The handcrafted, rhodium-coated solid Au 585 gold nib is embossed with the kohl-outlined cat eyes and dark brows so typical of her image, as well as the nickname that is inseparable from Maria Callas: ‘La Divina’.

A lover of designer dresses and luxurious accessories, the star had a true appreciation for all the beautiful things in life. The writing instrument’s clip, particularly the clip stone, is an homage to Callas’ great love of jewelry and flowers. The stone’s petal shape recalls the leaf of a new rose that was named after Callas in 1965, while the stone’s deep turquoise shade pays tribute to the color of the Aegean Sea, honoring Callas’ Greek roots.

Maria Callas always remained the embodiment of elegance and her devotion to her art was unwavering. Over 45 years after her death, Callas’ stardom still shines bright and her legacy lives on in a special edition writing instrument that spotlights an unforgettable life and exceptional artistry.

Montblanc Muses Maria Callas Special Edition is available from Montblanc boutiques worldwide and online from October 2023. For more information, visit Montblanc official website.

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