Born in the Age of Enlightenment, the world s first Champagne House has retained its cultured spirit. Links with the world of art have been intwined with its prestigious genealogy from the very beginning. The founder s uncle, Dom Thierry Ruinart, obtained the title of Master of Art in 1674, at the age of just 17.
The story continued when the up-and-coming illustrator, painter and graphic artist Alphonse Mucha was commissioned to design a poster for Ruinart in 1896. The choice was bold and judicious: emblematic of art nouveau of which he would become a key representative he associated Ruinart with an elegant ivy-twined female figure holding a glass of champagne. The image appeared on Morris columns across Paris and even on the summit of Mont Blanc.
As an extension of its commitment to innovation and creation, art is an integral part of Ruinart. Each year, through its Carte Blanche programme, the Maison invites artists to reinterpret its values. Jaume Plensa created a skilful sculpture in homage to Dom Ruinart; Liu Bolin literally disappeared behind the Maison s expertise in his stunning photographic settings; Vik Muniz captured and sublimated the beauty of the vineyard; David Shrigley delivered a series of humorous drawings that accurately recounted his residency in the Champagne region. In 2022, Jeppe Hein has designed a participatory project that will evolve over the year at the major international art fairs of which Ruinart is a partner (Frieze NY, Art Basel in Basel, Frieze London, FIAC, Tokyo Art Week and Art Basel Miami Beach, as well as during Berlin s Gallery Weekend and Venice Biennale.
RUINART AND ART