The pens of Stipula have been well known for a certain stylish flair, in many cases, taking the art of design in new directions as it is applied to fountain pens. A perfect example of this is the Stipula Iris of several years back, a stunning creation in cream and amber celluloid featuring a svelt flowing shape and a great retractable nib. Their newest limited edition, the San Pietro Bernini relies upon a combination of materials and design to create an artistic statement.
Crafted
of solid bronze, the Bernini is a full sized pen, and being of all metal
construction, not a lightweight. On the other hand, the barrel is slender
enough to keep this pen from being "overweight". In fact,
it is surprisingly usable, despite the somewhat short section it felt
comfortable in my hand.
Gian
Lorenzo Bernini is renowned as a sculptor, artist, and architect of
the 17th century, perhaps best known for his works in Rome, including
the Fountain of the Bees, the Fountain of Triton, and of course, his
work on St. Peter's Basilica. The Stipula Bernini commemorates the 500th
Anniversary of St. Peter's Basilica, and the design draws heavily upon
Bernini's work, most notably the bronze baldacchino, the canopy over
the high altar in St. Peter's.
Following the gentle curves of the twisting pillars supporting the canopy, the Stipula Bernini also follows along with the use of aged bronze for the cap and barrel. Each piece is turned form a solid rod of bronze. The barrel is then engraved with a pattern of branches and leaves which wind up the length of the barrel, accented with a simple pattern of lines along the lower portion of the barrel.
The engraved portions have been textured by hand, and the surrounding surface treated to give it an aged appearance. The result ends up following the design of the alter canopy: it's both elegant and intricate, while still feeling very substantial, both in looks and in feel.
Bronze is an unusual material to choose for a fountain pen, but in this case, I think it was the right choice. While making the pen from a more "traditional" material such as acrylic, celluloid, or even solid silver or gold might have made it a bit more approachable to the average buyer, I think that the use of bronze brings a unique feel and look to the Bernini. In fact, I'd like to see other pens experimenting with this material, I found it to be very interesting from a visual standpoint. The polished portions have a rich red-brown color, which sets off the textured portions in the engraving.
Complimenting
the entire package the trim and nib are made of rose gold, and the reddish
tones match up perfectly with the deep brown color of the cap and barrel.
The top of the clip is set with a cabachon ruby, adding a bit of flash
to the whole pen.
While attractive, the Bernini does not come across as a flashy or decorative pen. This is in spite of it's having a very unique design to the barrel, with twists and engraving... You might expect it to be a bit "much" from the description, and in fact, at first glance it seems very complex in design. It only takes a moment in the hand for the Bernini to feel right at home. Between the size, the shape, and the feel of the bronze material, the Stipula Bernini ends up coming across as a perfect blend of art and style, as well as a fitting commemoration of a great artists work!
copyright 2006 Mike Stevens
Images copyright 2006 William Riepl