Who created "Design for a Patch-Box"?

Design for a Patch-Box was created by Pierre Edme Babel, French, 1720â1775 in ca. 1745.

When was "Design for a Patch-Box" created?

This artwork was created ca. 1745.

Is "Design for a Patch-Box" in the public domain?

Yes, Design for a Patch-Box is in the public domain and available for free download under CC0 license.

Design for a Patch-Box

Pierre Edme Babel, French, 1720â1775

ca. 1745

Classification

ornament

Department

Smithsonian Collection

Museum

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Credit

Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council

Accession Number

1911-28-2

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Pierre Edme Babel, a French active in the mid-18th century (1720–1775), created this *Design for a Patch-* around 1745. As a preparatory drawing for a small luxury container, it exemplifies the ornate ornamental designs of the Rococo period, a style flourishing under Louis XV that emphasized playful elegance, scrolling motifs, and intricate details inspired by nature and fantasy. Patch boxes were fashionable accessories for women, holding tiny beauty patches—small black silk or velvet spots applied to the face to enhance complexion or flirtatiously draw attention to features. This work, class...

Design for a Patch-Box

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