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

1703

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

# 3 from " Livre second essais de Gravjre " Second book of Engraved Designs is a 1703 by Pierre Bourdon, a Baroque work, depicting Engraving Proces, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Pierre Bourdon
When & what style?: 1703 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This is an etching from a 1703 set of decorative patterns. Thin lines carve swirls and flourishes across the page. It’s one of 50 prints made for craftsmen like goldsmiths and engravers who needed fresh ornament ideas. These pattern books were popular in 18th-century France. Wealthy collectors bought them too, just to keep up with stylish trends. Bourdon’s designs helped shape everyday objects like snuffboxes and mirrors. Look up Pierre Bourdon (French) next.

The story of this work

Overview

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.

Read the full account in the museum source.