The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 19, 2025

# 3 from " Livre second essais de Gravjre " Second book of Engraved Designs

c. 1703

Pierre Bourdon

(French)
France, 18th century
etching and engraving
Gift of William Ellery Greene for the Lucy S. Greene Collection 1963.561
Catalogue raisonné: Fonds Français vol. 3.320.2
Location: Not on view

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.
  • Design and Decoration: Ornament Prints. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (August 7-October 28, 1990).
  • {{cite web|title=# 3 from " Livre second essais de Gravjre " Second book of Engraved Designs|url=false|author=Pierre Bourdon|year=c. 1703|access-date=19 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1963.561