Balcons de fer ciselés
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-243-44
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Jean Mariette (1660–1742), a renowned French engraver, printseller, and publisher, created *Balcons de fer ciselés* (Chiseled Iron Balconies) around 1737. This print captures the exquisite ornamental ironwork that adorned Parisian architecture during the early 18th century, showcasing the intricate, flowing designs typical of the Rococo style. Mariette's work often documented the decorative arts of his time, reproducing architectural details for a wider audience of artists, architects, and collectors. In the opulent era of Louis XV, wrought iron balconies like those depicted became symbols of...