Ornamental Frame Design
mid- 18thâlate 18th century
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-267-10
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Louis Crépy (1680?–1760), a French engraver, crafted this *Ornamental Frame Design in the mid- to late 18th century a period when elaborate decorative arts flourished in Europe. As a print from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection—purchased by the Advisory Council— it exemplifies the intricate ornamental patterns that adorned frames, cartouches, and architectural elements during the Rococo era's transition toward Neoclassicism. Crépy specialized in such designs, providing for artisans to replicate in gilding, woodwork, or silverwork, bridging fine art and craft. Though the exact m...