Wes Anderson's films are renowned for their meticulous detail, vibrant sets, and echoes of bygone eras. His latest offering, "The Phoenician Scheme," is no exception, and eagle-eyed viewers might have spotted a particularly striking piece of art history gracing the screen: a rare replica of Benvenuto Cellini's iconic Salt Cellar, originally crafted for Francis I of France.
Cellini's Salt Cellar, a masterpiece of Renaissance goldsmithing, is a singular work-of-art. Completed in 1543, the original is a testament to Cellini's virtuosity and remains a prized possession of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.
The example featured in the film, previously offered by Old World Wonders, was originally one of only a limited quantity of faithful reproductions produced by Morpier Argenteria in Florence during the 1970’s. Unable to secure the original for the film, our rare replica was flown to Berlin for filming in 2024.
The replica's inclusion in the film is a clever nod to the history of art and ownership. In a film steeped in intrigue and potentially involving art forgery or theft, the presence of such a prized artifact adds another layer of complexity. Does its presence hint at a larger scheme at play? These questions are just the kind of delicious puzzles Anderson often weaves into his narratives. It’s no accident that Anderson, known for his symmetrical compositions and eye for beauty, chose such a visually arresting piece. This speaks volumes about the director's commitment to authenticity and visual storytelling. Why the Salt Cellar? What does it bring to "The Phoenician Scheme"? You'll have to watch the movie to find out.
Appropriately, the replica was subsequently acquired by a former conservator of the Kunsthistorisches who also, incidentally, owns another treasure of cinematic history: the famed Fabergé egg prop sold at auction in James Bond's Octopussy of 1983.
"The Phoenician Scheme" is an espionage thriller directed by Wes Anderson from a script he wrote with Roman Coppola. The film features an ensemble cast including the lead Benicio del Toro, along with Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Riz Ahmed, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Rupert Friend, Hope Davis, Imad Mardnli and Benedict Cumberbatch. The film will have a limited theatrical release in the United States on 30 May 2025 and will open in theatres nationwide on 6 June 2025. Learn more at: https://focusfeatures.com/the-phoenician-scheme.