Chasse

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Created in 1748 by the French artist Pierre Germain, “Chasse” is a print that captures the elegance and energy of eighteenth-century hunting scenes. The French title, meaning “hunt,” hints at a subject long favored by aristocratic patrons, reflecting both the sporting culture of the period and the refined tastes of Louis XV’s reign. As a print, the work belongs to a medium that allowed images to circulate widely, bringing scenes of the chase to a broader audience beyond the walls of royal or noble residences. Germain’s career spanned a time when French printmaking flourished alongside painting and decorative arts. Though research on this particular impression is ongoing, its presence in the Smithsonian American Art Museum underscores the enduring appeal of European graphic traditions in American collections. Acquired through the museum’s Advisory Council, the print offers visitors a glimpse into the technical precision and lively composition typical of mid-eighteenth-century French printmakers.