Cadillac’s Reimagined Goddess: A Return to Luxury and Heritage

Cadillac is making a bold statement with its all-electric, $340,000 Celestiq. The luxury automaker is positioning this vehicle as a return to its ultra-luxurious roots, and to emphasize this, Cadillac has brought back the iconic hood ornament that adorned its early-20th-century cars. The reimagined Cadillac Goddess, a symbol of elegance and prestige, has been meticulously crafted by sculptor Richard Wiquist to pay homage to the brand’s rich history.

A Beautiful Reimagining of the Goddess

Richard Wiquist dedicated months to carving his interpretation of the Cadillac Goddess. He studied the previous versions of the ornament to ensure his design aligned with the brand’s legacy. According to Wiquist, “Reimagining the Goddess was a beautiful experience because it required me to study the past and understand the evolution of what Cadillac is today. The Goddess always represented the aesthetical zeitgeist.”

The Evolution of the Cadillac Goddess

The Cadillac Goddess first made its appearance in 1930 when hood ornaments were at the height of their popularity. Initially, the design drew inspiration from classical influences. However, as the ’50s rolled around, the ornament’s aesthetics became more abstract, reflecting the futuristic designs of the Jet Age.

For his rendition of the Goddess, Wiquist turned to the version that adorned the hood of the legendary Cadillac V16s from 1933. He was captivated by the sense of motion conveyed by the flowing drapery in that particular example. Wiquist aimed to create a new soaring form that would honor Cadillac’s heritage while propelling it into the future. His design had to have context and evoke a personal connection between Cadillac and its clients through vehicles like the Celestiq.

Incorporating the Goddess into the Celestiq

Although the Celestiq does not feature a traditional hood ornament, Wiquist’s design has been seamlessly integrated into the electric vehicle. A three-dimensional version of the Goddess has been molded into glass as part of the front fender trim. Another rendition is centrally positioned in the multi-functional controller, encased in glass. Lastly, the Goddess can be found just above the car’s charge port door, serving as a subtle reminder of Cadillac’s heritage.

The Art of Individuality and Emotional Connections

Wiquist believes that after more than 120 years, heritage remains an integral part of everything Cadillac does. However, the brand’s future is focused on perfecting the art of individuality. This is achieved through greater emotional connections conveyed in design and the process of co-creating imaginative showpieces. The reimagined Goddess represents this vision, symbolizing the emotional connection between Cadillac and its discerning clients.

Watch: The Cadillac Goddess | Triumphant Return

To further appreciate the craftsmanship and significance of the reimagined Cadillac Goddess, watch the video “The Cadillac Goddess | Triumphant Return.” This video showcases the attention to detail and the passion behind bringing this iconic symbol back to life.

In Conclusion

Cadillac’s Celestiq is not just an all-electric luxury vehicle; it is a testament to the brand’s commitment to its heritage and its pursuit of individuality. The reimagined Cadillac Goddess, meticulously crafted by sculptor Richard Wiquist, serves as a reminder of Cadillac’s ultra-luxurious roots and its dedication to creating emotional connections through design. As Cadillac propels itself into the future, it does so with a nod to its past, ensuring that the spirit of elegance and prestige lives on in every vehicle it creates.