His unique facial rejuvenation techniques, and less is more approach, have made Dr Antoni Calmon my aesthetic doctor of choice…but what happens when your doctor gets his hands on a chateau?! Yes, Antoni is also the proprietor of Chateau de Dampierre, and I had the pleasure of catching up with him recently to talk all things art and interiors and why Marie Antoinette may have struggled on instagram. Read on and enjoy!
Chateau de Dampierre in Champagne.
Where did you grow up and how did that influence your style? I grew up in Perpignan in the south of France. This historic city was originally part of Catalonia and it was also the birthplace of the famous portrait artist Hyacinthe Rigaud. His influence as well of that of Louis XIV - The Sun King were everywhere, including my school where the monarchs portrait hung. I’m pretty sure that’s where my fascination with the 18th century began and it was then further fuelled by early trips with my parents to Versailles, where at the age of seven I had already managed to memorise some of the room plans!
Hyacinthe Rigaud, Louis XIV.
Where is home and what does that mean to you? I’ve called many places home throughout my life, but right now it’s Paris and in time I also expect to spend more time in the countryside. Paris is a place where I’ve always dreamed to live, my job, sister, culture and social life are all here. So I suppose home for me is a shelter and a place where I have everything that sustains me and makes me happy.
You are recognised and celebrated for your lightness of touch with aesthetics, is it also a case of ‘less is more’ when it comes to interiors? In my professional life I always look for what is natural and not forced, a result that seems refreshed but never too done. It’s exactly the same for decoration. I like mixing different periods and influences in interiors but with clarity and lightness of touch and that ensures that the results never look like a flea market. I find minimalism to be a heavy approach as it clearly shows the hand of human intervention, so the results can often feel contrived and empty.
Chateau de Dampierre from the air.
So what took you to Chateau de Dampierre? I was in Champagne during my residency as a student doctor, and it was close by. Had I not lived there I may not have discovered this area of France as Parisians tend to favour the west for their country houses and Dampierre is in the east. One fateful day I received a call from a real estate specialist who knew that I may be interested that the chateau was coming up for auction. On the day, despite having been contacted, it transpired that no-one else attended the auction, so I secured the property!
City or country? I have always dreamed of living in Paris, and also living in a castle …and it’s actually happening! Do I have to choose? Perhaps I can keep enjoying the mix that I have right now?
The Paris Clinic of Dr. Antoni Calmon.
So how would you describe the in interior of Chateau de Dampierre? Well primarily it’s a collection of buildings from different periods. At the entrance are two buildings which are 18th century and that I have chosen to approach in a rather cosy and comfortable English cottage style. Moving through there are the medieval towers, with large fireplaces in stone, which I intend to approach with a decorative approach that combines 15th century style with a modern touch. Of course I love fabrics, tapestry and wood, but I intend to make this space a little more open, spare and even a touch ecclesiastical.
In the 1930’s the previous owners sold much of the flooring, panelling, overdoors and fireplaces which has left the chateau in some respects a bit of an empty shell. As I am currently making a start with the roof facade and windows, this will give me more time to solidify my ideas about the interiors. Of course I’m really enjoying collaborating with the best artisans, and the results are often staggering, but I still need to appreciate that their talent seldom works to schedule.
Work in progress, the hand forged gates for the chateau entrance.
Do you have a favourite artistic period? I love the 17th century and the depth and simplicity of paintings from that era, they are rich but less stiff and rococo. I’m also rather fond of the refinement of the Louis XVI period, and the delicacy and purity of its classicism.
Simon Vouet Woman Playing A Guitar. c. The Metropolitain Museum Of Art.
Which kinds of portraits really appeal to you? Above all they are the kind of works that reveal the sitters personality without trying to please them or pander to their vanity. That’s often how I interpret the works of Rigaud. His masterpieces show peoples strength and determination but also their subtlety and fragility. On occasion it is very clear that Rigaud doesn’t feel the need to over beautify his subjects. A case in point is his portrait of Cardinal de Bouillon (see below) with his eyes averted from the viewer, he is looking to the side and he is clearly more than a little cross-eyed… which I find a touch of genius!
Hyacinthe Rigaud. Cardinal de Bouillon (1643-1715) Opening the 'Holy Door', 1708
What the most significant aesthetic transformation that you have undertaken? Perhaps transformation is not the aim. When presented with a singular face or space, the greatest challenge is not to mess too much with those exceptional things that make an impact. A strong nose or a dominant fireplace. The very last thing I would ever want to do is to soften something or making it look more average.
Is it possible to define facial beauty then ? Every time I try to objectify or make a rule about what beauty is, then I meet someone that doesn’t fit that mould…and is beautiful! So I can say with confidence, that in my eyes, there is no golden ratio! Beauty is everywhere and beauty changes over time. I have seen recent AI recreations of Marie Antoinette and how she may have potentially looked, and that’s only slightly above average. If she was around today she might struggle to have 10 followers on instagram.
Dr Calmon at work.
How do you unwind? Well I don’t do it enough, so it is often a conscious effort just to lie down, somewhere quiet (perhaps in nature) and perform the simple exercise of being more present and connected to my feelings and senses. There really is so much beauty that passes us by each day, so whenever I can I make that conscious effort to pay attention and engage..whether that’s with the wonders of the city when rushing through Paris, then flavours of a great meal or the sounds at the opera.
Interview: Nick Cox October 2023.
You can find out more about the aesthetic work of Dr Calmon at drantonicalmon.com or follow Chateau de Dampierre on instagram @chateaudedampierre