Design for a Pair of Trophies
Classification
graphic design
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of H. O. Havemeyer
Accession Number
1907-13-6-2
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Jean-Charles Delafosse, a versatile French artist (17341789), created this *Design for a Pair ofrophies* around 1770–80, during the elegant transition from Rococo exuberance to Neoclassical restraint in France. Delafosse was renowned for his intricate ornamental designs, engravings, and architectural decorations, often blending flowing motifs with classical symmetry. As a graphic design, this work likely served as a preparatory drawing or print template for sculptural "trophies"—elaborate, symbolic assemblages of attributes like weapons, laurels, or instruments, popular in 18th-century interio...