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
1921-6-282-79
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
François de Cuvilli the Elder (1695–1768), a Belgian-born architect and designer who made his mark in Germany, was a master of the opulent Rococo style. Active primarily in Bavaria, he served as court architect to the Elector of Munich, creating lavish interiors for palaces like Amalienburg and Nymphenburg. This *Design for Ceiling Ornament dated between 1731 1768, exemplifies flair for intricate decorative schemes likely intended for the grand halls of 18th-century European aristocracy. As a bound print—probably an engraving from a design portfolio—this artwork served as a blueprint for arti...