Artwork Page for # 7from " Livre second essais de gravjre " Second book of Engraved Designs

Details / Information for # 7from " Livre second essais de gravjre " Second book of Engraved Designs

# 7from " 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 1963.565
Catalogue raisonné
Fonds Français Vol. 3.320.2
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

This etching is from a set of prints showcasing decorative patterns by Bourdon. The title page for the set explains that the designs are “useful for clockmakers, goldsmiths, chiselers, engravers and other people.” These craftsmen who made ornamented objects sometimes consulted printed designs for inspiration. However, pattern prints similar to Bourdon’s also catered to aristocrats and wealthy professionals who pursued knowledge about artists and current styles.
A horizontal etching on off-white paper features several ornate designs in black ink. Centered is a tilted oval shield enveloped by voluminous, feathery acanthus scrollwork. Surrounding this are four circular medallions containing symmetrical foliage, masks, and small figures. Two small vertical ornaments sit along the bottom edge. Script at the base credits artist P. Bourdon, while additional text labels the central motif as a "Vestige d'arme" and mentions nobility.

# 7from " Livre second essais de gravjre " Second book of Engraved Designs

c. 1703

Pierre Bourdon

(French)
France, 18th century

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