Chandelier d'autel
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-313-27
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Created in 1748 by the French artist Pierre Germain, "Chandelier d'autel" is a finely detailed print that showcases an ornate altar chandelier. Germain, active during the height of the Rococo period, specialized in designs that blended functionality with elaborate ornamentation. This work exemplifies how prints served as vital tools for disseminating artistic ideas across Europe, allowing silversmiths and patrons to study intricate patterns without needing access to the original objects. The medium of printmaking was especially significant in the 18th century, offering precision and reproduci...