Homo Faber 2024
E-Catalogue

Birth

The journey of life starts in the beautiful Cypress Cloister, where the centuries-old Game of the Goose is recreated in 60 magnificent embroidered panels. Invented in Italy during the Renaissance, this dice game was later developed into the first modern commercial board game, often played by families and children. Players progress through the game entirely at the whim of a dice toss, which may see them land on any number of fortuitous or hazardous squares. In this, the game symbolises the unpredictable nature of life. For our Game of the Goose, entirely reimagined by artist Nigel Peake and set in Venice, 20 ateliers and independent artisans from around the world have each handmade three squares of the game in a different style of embroidery. From Mexico to Rwanda to India, using goldwork, lunéville or a traditional regional technique, these talented craftspeople have interpreted the panels in original ways while following a fixed design and colour palate, creating a cohesive yet creative whole.