Bound print

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

**Bound Print** by Jean Mariette (French, 1660–1742), created in 1727, invites visitors to explore the refined world of 18th-century French print culture. Acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum through the Advisory Council, this work is classified as a bound print—a format where individual prints were often gathered into albums or volumes for private collections. Housed in the Smithsonian Collection, it reflects the era's passion for preserving and displaying visual art in accessible, portable forms. Mariette, active during France's Rococo period, was a pivotal figure in the Paris art scene, bridging painting, engraving, and connoisseurship. Though the specific medium remains under study ("Research in Progress"), bound prints like this one were prized for their role in disseminating images of masterpieces to collectors across Europe. This piece underscores the transatlantic exchange of artistic ideas, finding a home in an American museum and highlighting enduring French influences on global collections. As research continues, *Bound Print* sparks curiosity about Mariette's techniques and subjects, offering a tangible link to the Enlightenment's love of knowledge and beauty. A true gem for print enthusiasts! (178 words)