Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1920-36-425
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Jean-Baptiste Pillement (1728–1808), a versatile French artist of the Rococo era, was renowned his delicate landscapes, ornate floral motifs, and chinoiserie designs that captured the playful elegance of 18th-century European taste. Born in Lyon, Pillement traveled extensively Portugal, England, Poland, Russia, working for nobility and influencing decorative arts like tapestries and wallpapers. His prints, often etched or engraved, served as affordable ways to share his intricate, fantastical style—blending nature's whimsy with exotic flair—making him a bridge between fine art and popular desi...