Designs for Jewelry
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-424-2
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Gilles Légaré (1617–after 1685), a skilled French engraver, created *Designs for Jewelry* in1663, capturing the opulent aesthetic of mid-17th-century France during reign of Louis XIV. This print showcases intricate ornamental motifs intended for jewelers, reflecting the era's fascination with lavish adornments. At Versailles and the royal court, jewelry symbolized status and refinement, blending goldsmithing with emerging Baroque extravagance—think scrolling foliage, fantastical creatures, and gemstone settings that dazzled the elite. As a print medium, Légaré's work was revolutionary for its...