Designs for Tail-Pieces: pl. 8

Gabriel Huquier

1730

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Baroque 18th Century

About this work

This page shows ten small drawings of fancy coat buttons. Each one has a different shape—some look like crowns, others like musical instruments or tools. A few have tiny figures or animals mixed in. The lines are thin and precise, with some shading to show depth. One button has the letters "S.P.Q.R." on it, which was a slogan for ancient Rome. The artist signed the bottom right corner. Next, check out how engraving works to make these sharp lines.