Bound print
Medium
Bound print
Classification
Bound print
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-539-19
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Jean Mariette (1660–1742), a prominent French engraver, print publisher, and art dealer from a celebrated dynasty of connoisseurs, created this *Bound print* in 7. Working during France's Regency period under Philippe II, Duke ofléans, Mariette specialized in reproductive engravings after master painters, amassing vast collections that influenced Europe's artistic elite. His prints were prized for their technical precision and role in disseminating Baroque and early Rococo imagery to collectors worldwide. As a "bound print," this work likely formed part of an album or volume—a common 18th-century practice for preserving and displaying fine prints. The medium highlights printmaking's democratic power, making high art accessible beyond original paintings. Acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum through its Advisory Council, it reflects transatlantic exchanges, bridging French expertise with American collections. Though research continues, this piece underscores Mariette's legacy in preserving visual culture, inviting us to appreciate the artistry of ink and paper in an era of opulent innovation.