Design for Mantle Piece, from "Cheminées et Lambris"
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-110-1
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Jean Le Pautre (1618–1682), a prominent French engraver and designer of the Baroque era, created this *Design for Mantle Piece around 1670 as part of his influential series *Cheminées et Lambris*Chimneys and Pan"). Working during the lavish reign of Louis XIV, Le Pautre specialized in ornate architectural ornamentation, drawing inspiration from the grandeur of Versailles and royal interiors. His prints captured the opulent curves, scrolling motifs, and symmetrical compositions that defined French Baroque decoration, making sophisticated designs accessible beyond elite circles. As a print medi...