LE CHATEAU DE LERY
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-533-165
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**LE CHATEAU DE LERY** *Adam Perelle (French, 1638–1695), ca. 1680 Print; Smithsonian American Art Museum* into the grandeur of 17th-century with Adam Perelle's *Le Château de Léry*, a captivating print from around 1680. Perelle, a master engraver renowned for his precise topographic views, specialized in documenting the opulent châteaus and gardens that defined the age of Louis XIV. This likely captures the elegant architecture of the Château de Léry, a estate emblematic of France's Baroque splendor, where manicured landscapes and imposing facades symbolized royal power and aristocratic refinement. As a print, *Le Château de Léry* reflects the era's innovative printmaking techniques, which allowed detailed images of elite architecture to reach a wider audience beyond the nobility. Perelle's meticulous line work—hallmarks of his style—brings the chateau's symmetry and scale to life, offering viewers a window into the Sun King's cultural legacy. Acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum through its Advisory Council, this piece bridges European artistry with American collections, inviting us to ponder the timeless allure of French design. (Research ongoing; 178 words)