Jean-Pascal Hesse – Eternal Capri

Jean-Pascal Hesse “Eternal Capri” is one of the most romantic books about Capri. This is not a touristic guide or “star wars” beach story, this is a story about magnificent enigma of Capri, about history and mystery of this island, the pearl of Italy.

Jean-Pascal Hesse’s latest creation ‘Eternal Capri’ is perfection, not only for potential visitors to this legendary island but sheer armchair escapism, for future travelers. The name, Capri, the gigantic rock bathed by the cerulea blue of the Tyrrhenian sea, conjures up tales from the past. Emperor Tiberius and the cliffs where his enemies were tortured and hurled down to the sea; the mythical Villa Malaparte immortalised by Brigitte Bardot and the Villa Lysis of the accursed poet Jacques Fersen. A long time haven for pirates, fishermen and film stars, Capri is a must visit destination. Richly illustrated Hesse’s beautiful book explores this evocative island, revealing a few well-kept secrets and displaying its charms for all to see.

Capri l’éternelle - Jean-Pascal Hesse par RUNWAY MAGAZINE
Capri l’éternelle – Jean-Pascal Hesse par RUNWAY MAGAZINE

Some names possess an extraordinary power. Capri is one of them. A rocky island lapped by the crystalline blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Capri is an earthly paradise, floating between sea and sky. From earliest times it has excited people’s senses and touched their souls. Countless artists have found an exhilarating creativity in its rugged beauty, and have been seduced by its charms. Capri is an island of myth and legend, where history and geography are inextricably intertwined. Its name evokes the drama of its sheer cliffs and the Faraglioni sea stacks; the infamous Emperor Tiberius; the fabled Casa Malaparte, immortalized by Brigitte Bardot; and Villa Lysis, flamboyant creation of the decadent poet Jacques Fersen. For centuries the haunt of fishermen and pirates, Capri has now become an exclusive destination for an elegant, pleasure-seeking elite. Sumptuously illustrated, this book offers an invitation to explore Capri, and to discover
its secluded nooks and corners. In sharing his love of the island and its unique lifestyle, Jean-Pascal Hesse also reveals the secrets that sometimes lie hidden within the beauties of its iconic sites and cloistered villas.

Capri l’éternelle - Jean-Pascal Hesse par RUNWAY MAGAZINE
Capri l’éternelle – Jean-Pascal Hesse par RUNWAY MAGAZINE

“There are some places that possess an extraordinary power, conjuring up images that are
the stuff of dreams. Capri is one of these places. A rocky island lapped by the cerulean blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and carpeted with an extravagant profusion of flowers, Capri is an earthly paradise, somewhere between sea and sky, that from earliest times has touched people to theur souls. It is the quintessence of what an island should be, in all its idealized Platonic perfection.

Capri owes its reputation to the artists of all kinds (poets, musicians, writers, painters, film makers, fashion designers and more) who have experienced the intoxicating pleasure of working here, as well as to the hundreds of thousands of tourists who are seduced every year by the island’s unique charms. Its name evokes the beauties, delights and secrets of the Faraglioni sea stacks, the Quisisana, Villa Lysis, Casa Malaparte, Villa Jovis and the Emperor Tiberius.

Capri l’éternelle - Jean-Pascal Hesse par RUNWAY MAGAZINE
Capri l’éternelle – Jean-Pascal Hesse par RUNWAY MAGAZINE

Bewitching in its rugged beauty and its jagged cliffs that fall sheer to the sea, merging with its crystalline waters to form a unique ensemble, the island also embodies a world of myth and legend in which history and geography are inextricably intertwined. This unassuming limestone outcrop may be small in size, but its allure and its wealth of legends are immense. Nowadays, its whitewashed houses, villas with sea views, luxury boutiques and outwardly carefree holiday atmosphere conspire to create an uncomplicated exterior that overlays the unique qualities of its outstanding sites. For over a century, the Piazzetta has lured a who’s who of prominent figures in the worlds of literature, fashion and film, who come to see and be seen. Over the past few decades, Capri has thus come to represent a heady mixture, a chosen spot that has drawn luminaries as diverse as Oscar Wilde, Marguerite Yourcenar, Maxim Gorky and Curzio Malaparte, as well as Brigitt Bardot and Jackie Kennedy.

This book is invitation to explore a Capri that is still little known. Seduced by this island of legend, the author takes delight in decoding its customs and traditions, in exploring its iconic sites and villas, and in sharing some of its long-buried secrets along the way,” – Jean-Pascal Hesse

Capri l’éternelle - Jean-Pascal Hesse par RUNWAY MAGAZINE
Capri l’éternelle – Jean-Pascal Hesse par RUNWAY MAGAZINE

Foreword by Brigitte Bardot: “

It was in the late spring of 1963, with Michel Piccoli, that I arrived on Capri to shoot some scenes for the film Jean-Luc Godard Le Mépris (Contempt), under the gaze of the magnificent Vesuvius. Instantly I was entranced by the island’s warm, unreal light, its turquoise waves, its whitewashed houses rising from the waters – so blue and sparkling – of the Mediterranean. Its beauties helped me to forget the difficulties of the shooting and the constant harassment by photographers and journalists. Villa Malaparte had its own crazily strong character. Isolated on its rocky outcrop, it proved a true refuge for me. The comforting presence of Sami Frey in that wonderful setting was also a real support. I remember the little winding streets through
which we liked to wander, losing ourselves, carried away by the sheer joy of life on the island. Capri has soul. I loved immersing myself in it and tasting the delights of this island that stirs the senses, now as always, eternally.”

Capri l’éternelle - Jean-Pascal Hesse par RUNWAY MAGAZINE
Capri l’éternelle – Jean-Pascal Hesse par RUNWAY MAGAZINE

Photographers: Umberto D’Aniello, Slim Aarons, Ralph Crane.

Release date: 15 June 2020 in the stores and online.