Bénitier
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-313-6
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
"Bénitier," created by French artist Pierre Germain in 1748, is a print that reflects the refined decorative traditions of 18th-century France. The title refers to a holy water font, a common fixture in churches and homes, suggesting the work may document or interpret such an object. As a print, it belongs to a medium prized for its ability to circulate designs widely, allowing artisans and collectors to study intricate details without needing access to the original piece. Germain, whose career spanned a dynamic era of French art, contributed to this tradition through works now preserved in i...