Boëtes de Montre [Designs for Watch Cases], plate 54 in Oeuvre de Juste-Aurele Meissonnier
![Boëtes de Montre [Designs for Watch Cases], plate 54 in Oeuvre de Juste-Aurele Meissonnier by Juste-Aurèle Meissonnier, French, b. Italy, 1695–1750](https://images.artheonmuseum.org/smith/thumb/boates-de-montre-designs-for-watch-cases-plate-54-smith-975995-0.webp)
Classification
metalwork
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-212-20-b
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Juste-Aurèle Meissonnier (1695–1750), a visionary French designer born in Italy, was a master of the Rococo, blending architecture, goldsmithing, and engraving into exuberant, asymmetrical forms. His *Boîtes de MontreDesigns for Watch Cases]*, plate 54 from the influential *Oeuvre de Juste-Aur Meissonnier* (published posthumously), dates to 1748. This etched design plate showcases intricate proposals for luxury watch cases,ifying the ornate metalwork prized by 18th-century European elites. Meissonnier's work epitomized the Rococo era's delight in playful curves, scrolling motifs, and lavish e...