Bound print

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Jean Mariette's *Bound Print* (1727) offers a glimpse into the elegant world of 18th French printmaking. Born in 1660, Mariette was a prominent Parisian engraver, publisher, and collector whose work bridged art reproduction and connoisseurship. Active during the Regency era—a vibrant period of artistic experimentation following Louis XIV's reign—this piece exemplifies the bound print format, where individual engravings were compiled into albums for study and display among the elite. Though the specific medium remains under research, bound prints like this were prized for their portability and preservation of masterful designs, often reproducing paintings by artists such as Rubens or Watteau. Mariette's expertise in fine reproductions made his volumes essential references for artists, scholars, and collectors, influencing taste across Europe. Acquired for the Smithsonian American Art Museum through the Advisory Council, this artwork highlights transatlantic exchanges in print culture. Its presence invites us to appreciate how such humble yet sophisticated objects democratized access to grand art, sparking curiosity as ongoing research unveils more details.