Bound print

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Jean Mariette (1660–1742), a masterful French engraver, print publisher, and art dealer, created this *Bound print* in 1727. Active during the opulent era of Louis XV's early reign, Mariette was renowned for his meticulous reproductions of masterpieces by artists like Rubens and Van Dyck. His works bridged painting and printmaking, making elite art accessible to collectors across Europe through high-quality engravings often bound into elegant albums. As a "bound print," this piece exemplifies the 18th-century practice of compiling prints into leather-bound volumes for scholarly study or display. These collections preserved fragile prints while showcasing technical virtuosity in line work, shading, and composition—hallmarks of French Rococo precision. Mariette's editions were prized for their fidelity to originals, reflecting the period's fascination with connoisseurship and the democratization of visual culture. Acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum through its Advisory Council, this artwork highlights transatlantic exchange in art collecting. Though research continues, it invites visitors to appreciate the enduring craft of printmaking and Mariette's pivotal role in art history. (178 words)