Designs for Firearms Ornament
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-325-12
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Gilles Demarteau, a Flemishmaker active in 18th-century Europe (2–1776), *Designs for Firearmsnament* in 1743. This intricate print showcases ornamental patterns intended for decorating firearms, reflecting the era's fascination with elaborate craftsmanship in functional objects. As a master of printmaking, Demarteau captured these designs with precision, making them accessible for gunsmiths, artisans, and collectors across Europe. Printed during the height of the Rococo period's decorative exuberance, the work highlights how prints served as vital tools for sharing artistic motifs. Firearms ...