Chaire de L’Eglise de Saint Germain de L’Auxerrois

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

**Chaire de L’Église de Saint Germain de L’Auxerrois** *Pierre Mariette II (French, 1634–1716), 1657–1716* Print; Smithsonian American Art Museum This evocative print by Pierre Mariette II captures the ornate pulpit (*chaire*) of the historic Church of Saint-Germain l'Aerrois in Paris, Gothic masterpiece near the Louvre that served as the royal parish for centuries. Created during Mariette's prolific career as a leading French engraver and print publisher, the work falls within his active period from 1657 to 1716, reflecting the grandeur of 17th-century French ecclesiastical architecture amid the Baroque era's dramatic flourishes. Mariette, from a dynasty of printmakers, specialized in reproductive prints that documented architectural treasures, interiors, and decorative arts. Though the exact medium remains under study, such prints were typically engravings, prized for their precision in preserving intricate details like carved reliefs and sculptural elements that might otherwise fade from view. This piece offers a window into the opulent craftsmanship of the era, blending religious devotion with artistic virtuosity. Acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum through its Advisory Council, the print highlights the enduring value of graphic arts in safeguarding cultural heritage. As research continues, it invites visitors to ponder the pulpit's role in sermons that echoed through French history, from royal weddings to revolutionary echoes.