Bound print

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Jean Mariette (1660–1742), a prominent French engraver, print publisher, and art dealer created this *Bound print* in 1727, during the vibrant Regency period under Philippe II, Duke of Orléans. Active in Paris amid the transition from Baroque grandeur to the lighter Rococo style, Mari played a key role in Europe's burgeoning print trade, reproducing masterpieces by artists like Rubens and Van Dyck to make elite art accessible to collectors across the continent. The medium—a "bound print"—refers to an engraving or etching compiled into a bound volume, a popular format for 18th-century connoisseurs who amassed albums of such works for study and display. This technique allowed for precise line work and tonal subtlety, preserving intricate details while enabling mass dissemination. Purchased for the Smithsonian American Art Museum by the Advisory Council, it bridges European printmaking traditions with American collections, underscoring transatlantic cultural exchanges. Though research into this piece continues, it exemplifies how prints democratized art, fostering appreciation far beyond royal courts. A delightful glimpse into Mariette's meticulous craft!