Page of Text, Printed on Recto and Verso

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

This intriguing *Page of Text, Printed ono and Verso* (1751) comes from the hands of Marie F. Lé, a French artist active in the eighteenth century As a bound print, it exemplifies the era's advancements in printing technology, where text was meticulously reproduced on both sides of a single sheet for efficiency in book production. Though the specific medium remains unidentified amid ongoing research, such prints were vital to disseminating knowledge during the Enlightenment, when France buzzed with intellectual fervor. Lattré's work reflects the craftsmanship of Parisian print workshops, where precision and clarity were paramount. Bound into volumes, these pages often formed part of illustrated books, encyclopedias, or treatises—cornerstones of cultural exchange. Acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum through the Advisory Council, this piece bridges European printing traditions with American collections, hinting at transatlantic influences on early graphic arts. While details of its exact content await further scholarship, the artifact invites us to appreciate the unsung role of printers like Lattré in preserving ideas. Visit our virtual galleries to ponder its place in history!