Two Panels of Ornament Design
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-289-1
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Two Panels of Ornament** by Charles Errard (c. 1601–1689) showcases the elegance of French 17th-century decorative arts Created as a print between 166 and 1689, this work consists of two intricately designed panels, reflecting Errard's expertise as a versatile artist who bridged painting, engraving, and design. Acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum through the Advisory, it highlights the museum's commitment to preserving influential European prints that shaped global aesthetics. During Louis XIV's reign, ornamental designs like these were vital for grand architectural projects, furnishings, and textiles, embodying the opulent Baroque style. Errard's prints served as pattern books, allowing artisans across Europe to replicate sophisticated motifs in silverwork, wallpaper, and upholstery. The medium of print was revolutionary, enabling precise reproduction and widespread dissemination of elite designs that democratized luxury. Though research on this piece continues, its presence evokes the era's fusion of art and craft, inviting visitors to appreciate how such patterns adorned Versailles-era interiors. A testament to Errard's enduring legacy, these panels remind us of design's power to elevate everyday spaces.