Floral and Foliate Ornament Design
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-459-3
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Pierre-Philippe Choffard a leading French engraver of the 18th century (1730–1809), created this *Floral and Fate Ornament Design* 1764. As a master printmaker, Choffard specialized in intricate etchings and engravings that captured the exuberant Rococo style, characterized by flowing, asymmetrical motifs inspired by nature. This print, now in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection (purchased by the Advisory Council), exemplifies skill in rendering delicate scrolls, blooms, and leaves with precise line work, making it a prime example of period decorative art. In the mid-1700s, Franc...