Fireplaces and Other Interior Decorations
1601 to 1650
Medium
etching
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Accession Number
1974.53.43
Art Historical Context
Jean Lepautre's *Fireplaces and Other Interior Decorations* (ca. 1601–1650) is a captivating etching from the National Gallery of Art collection, acquired through the Ailsa Mellon Fund. As a leading French engraver and ornamental designer of the 17th century, Lepre specialized in intricate patterns that bridged art and architecture during the early Baroque period. This print exemplifies his role in creating lavish designs for the opulent interiors of France's aristocracy under Louis XIII and XIV. Etchings like this served as essential pattern books for artisans, architects, and decorators, di...
About the Artist
Jean Lepautre
Jean Le Pautre (baptized June 28, 1618; died February 2, 1682), a pioneering French designer and engraver, emerged from a distinguished family of artists in Paris. The elder brother of architect Antoine Le Pautre, he was father to engravers Pierre Le Pautre and Jacques Le Pautre, uncle to sculptor Pierre Lepautre, and through his daughter Marie's marriage, stepfather-in-law to sculptor Pierre Le G...