Paneling (boiserie) Design for a Mirror
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-367-4
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This elegant *Paneling (Boiserie) Design for Mirror* by French artist Jean Mondon created in 1749, the opulent spirit of mid-18th-century Rococo decoration. Active from around 1736 to 1745 and beyond, Mondon specialized in ornamental prints that guided artisans in crafting luxurious interiors. Rococo, flourishing under Louis XV, emphasized playful asymmetry, scrolling motifs, and intricate frames—perfectly suited to framing mirrors, which were prized status symbols in grand salons. As a print from the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, acquired through the Advisory Council, this wo...