Visitors to Port Hercule in recent days may have noticed a beautiful stainless-steel angel glinting in the sunlight at Le Pattaya near the Yacht Club de Monaco. Here is her story.  

A symbol of grace and elegance encapsulated in a stunning stainless-steel form, British artist Christopher Shellis was inspired to create the Angel of Monaco, a design four years in the making, after visiting the Principality and becoming enamoured by its culture, legacy, prestige and values.  

Now, after touring multiple sites across the Principality, from the Rock to the famous Casino Square, Shellis’ marine-grade stainless-steel creation has been welcomed with open arms by the owner of Le Pattaya on the Quai des États-Unis, who purchased a medium format version from the sculptor and now proudly displays the piece on the establishment’s port-facing terrace. 

Shellis, an artist and designer for more than 25 years, is still looking for the perfect – and permanent – site for his full-size model, but tells Monaco Life that there are several “prominent” locations in contention, from a location near the Cour d’Honneur du Palais Princier to the Jardins des Boulingrins and indeed in Port Hercule.  

Wherever the Angel finds her ultimate home, it is the artist’s hope that she inspires those who see her. During a recent visit to the Principality, Shellis was able to watch on as passersby paused to stretch their arms out in front of her outspread wings, interacting with the sculpture in a personal and empowering way.  

He shares with Monaco Life that his Angel of Monaco concept has been warmly welcomed by the Grimaldi family, and he recently presented Princess Charlene and Princess Gabriella with miniature pendant forms of the sculpture as a token of his appreciation for the Principality, a place he describes as the “ultimate destination of glamour and ultimate prize of any success”.  

Though the main dream is to find a grand locale for the Angel, a place befitting her magnanimity, Shellis has also created a full line of sculptures and jewellery pieces in a range of sizes, from the tokens gifted to Monaco’s leading ladies to small, medium and full-scale models. The pendants, which are available in Sterling silver, nine-carat gold and 18-carat gold, can be ordered via Shellis’ Angel of Monaco website. The sculptures are produced on commission and have a lead time of around six weeks. For more information, click here.  

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All images courtesy of Christopher Shellis