Ornament Design with a Fountain
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-212-7-a
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Juste-Aurèle Meissonnier (1695–1750), a visionary French designer born in Italy, created *Ornament Design with a* in 1748, a delicate print that captures the exuberant spirit of the Rococo era. Working primarily in Paris, Meissonnier was a pioneer of this playful style, blending architecture, goldsmithing, and engraving with whimsical asymmetry, scrolling motifs, and nature-inspired flourishes. His designs adorned everything from furniture to facades, influencing Europe's decorative arts during the opulent mid-18th century. This etching exemplifies Meissonnier's mastery of ornamental printmak...