Sceaux à rafraîchir
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-313-74
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Created in 1748 by French artist Pierre Germain, *Sceaux à rafraîchir* is a fine example of 18th-century printmaking. Germain, who lived from 1703 to 1783, worked during the height of the Rococo period, when French decorative arts flourished with graceful, ornamental designs. As a print, this work likely served to document or disseminate ideas for elegant household objects, reflecting the era’s emphasis on refined living and craftsmanship. Prints played a vital role in the 1700s by allowing intricate designs to reach wider audiences beyond the original silversmiths or artisans. This piece, he...