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
1921-6-543-35
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Germain Boffrand (7–1754), a leading French architect of the Rococo era, created this *Bound print* in 1745, a time when ornate, playful designs were transforming European architecture and interiors. Boffrand, known for his work at Versailles and elegant townhouses, bridged the grandeur of Baroque with the lighter, asymmetrical elegance of Rococo. As a bound volume of prints—likely engravings showcasing architectural plans, elevations, or decorative motifs—this medium was revolutionary for disseminating sophisticated designs to builders, patrons, and artists across Europe without the need for ...