Design for an Agraffe
ca. 1742
Classification
jewelry
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of various donors and from Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund
Accession Number
1938-88-990
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Girolamo Venturi’s “Design for an Agraffe,” created around 1742, offers a glimpse into the refined world of 18th-century European jewelry. An agraffe is an ornate clasp or brooch used to fasten garments, cloaks, or accessories, often serving both functional and decorative purposes. As a preparatory design rather than a finished piece, the work highlights the careful planning that went into creating luxurious personal adornments for the period’s elite. Though the medium remains unknown and research on the piece is ongoing, its classification as jewelry underscores its importance within the decorative arts. Acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum through a combination of donor gifts and the Eleanor G. Hewitt Fund, the design reflects the museum’s commitment to preserving the intricate traditions of metalwork and ornamentation. Venturi’s contribution, even in sketch form, invites viewers to appreciate how artists of the era balanced technical precision with elegant aesthetics to produce wearable art that conveyed status and taste.