Ornamental Clasp Designs
Medium
Bound print
Classification
Bound print
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-216-12
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Gilles-Marie Oppenord (2–1742), a prominent French architect and ornamental designer, epitomized the exuberant Rococo style during the Regency period under Louis XV. Though he passed away in 1742, *Ornamental Clasp*, published between 1749 and 1761, showcases his enduring influence through a bound volume of intricate prints. These designs for decorative clasps—elegant fasteners for clothing, jewelry, or furnishings—reflect Oppenord's mastery of fluid, asymmetrical motifs inspired by nature, shells, and foliage, hallmarks of Rococo's playful opulence. As a bound print, this work represents a k...