Ornament Designs
mid- 18th century
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-317-32
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
"Ornament Designs" is a captivating print by I. F. Saur, a German artist active during the 18th century created in the mid-1700s. As part of the Smithsonian American Museum's collection, this exemplifies the era's fascination with intricate decorative motifs. Prints like this one served as essential pattern books, disseminating elaborate designs to artisans, architects, and craftsmen across Europe beyond. Though the specific printing medium remains unidentified amid ongoing research, such works were typically produced via techniques like etching or engraving, allowing for precise replication o...