Artwork Page for # 5 from " Livre second essais de gravjre " second book of Engraved Designs

Details / Information for # 5 from " Livre second essais de gravjre " second book of Engraved Designs

# 5 from " Livre second essais de gravjre " second book of Engraved Designs

c. 1703

Pierre Bourdon

(French)
Culture
France, 18th century
Medium
etching and engraving
Credit Line
Gift of William Ellery Greene for the Lucy S. Greene Collection 1963.563
Catalogue raisonné
Fonds Français Vol. 3.320.2
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

The title page for this set of prints suggests that Bourdon’s designs are “useful for clockmakers, goldsmiths, chiselers, engravers and other people.” These craftsmen who made ornamented objects, such as the boxes and pistol below, sometimes consulted printed designs for inspiration. However, pattern prints similar to Bourdon’s also catered to aristocrats and wealthy professionals who pursued knowledge about styles and artists as a form of entertainment.
A horizontally oriented etching in black ink features various ornamental designs. Across the top and center, six circular medallions display intricate foliate and floral motifs and small faces. A bird perches atop a flat platform near the center. To our left, two patterned bands run horizontally along the bottom. To our right, a large, scrolling form with layered acanthus leaves sweeps upward. Fine lines define the forms. Text marks the bottom left.

# 5 from " Livre second essais de gravjre " second book of Engraved Designs

c. 1703

Pierre Bourdon

(French)
France, 18th century

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