Design for Ceiling Ornament
Classification
Bound print
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-282-14
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
François de Cuvés the Elder (16951768), a Belgian-born architect and who thrived in the Bavarian, created this *Design for Ceilingnament* around 1740. Active in Germany, Cuvilliés was a of the Rococo style, known for its exuberant curves, delicate shells, and asymmetry. This bound print captures the essence of his intricate ornamental designs, likely intended for lavish palace interiors the opulent era of European absolutism. As a printed, the work reflects the 18th practice of disseminating architectural ideas through engraved folios, allowing artisans Europe to replicate grand decorative. C...