# 4 From " Livre sencond essais de gravjre " second book of Engraved designs

1703

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

# 4 From " Livre sencond essais de gravjre " second book of Engraved designs is a 1703 by Pierre Bourdon, a Baroque work, 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 etching shows a fancy decorative border with curling leaves and vines. It looks like a guide for craftsmen who made clocks or jewelry. Back then, artists sold these pattern books to tradespeople and rich collectors. The designs helped workers copy stylish shapes fast. Bourdon’s prints mixed art with everyday jobs. Curious about old design books? Check out Pierre Bourdon.

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.