Dixieme livre des oeuvres de J.A. Meissonnier, Surtout de Table/Terrine [Tenth Series of Designs from the work of J.A. Meissonnier, Table Centerpiece/Tureen], pl. 61 in Oeuvre de Juste-Aurele Meissonnier

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Art Historical Context

Juste-Aurèle Meissonnier (1695–1750), a visionary French designer born in Italy, was a master of the Rococo style, blending architectural precision with exuberant ornamentation. This plate, numbered 61 from the *Dixième livre des œuvres de J.A. Meissonnier* (Tenth Series of Designs), dates to 1742–48 and depicts a lavish *surtout de table*—a table centerpiece incorporating a tureen. Published in his comprehensive *Oeuvre*, it showcases Meissonnier's innovative designs luxury metalwork, intended for the opulent dining tables of 18th-century French aristocracy. Rococo metalwork like this emphasized asymmetry, scrolling motifs, and playful organic forms, reflecting the lighthearted elegance of Louis XV's court. Meissonnier's engravings served as blueprints for silversmiths, influencing high-end tableware across Europe. Though the medium here is unspecified, such plates were typically etched or engraved, preserving intricate details for replication in silver or gilt bronze. Acquired by the Smithsonian American Art Museum through its Advisory Council, this design highlights Meissonnier's enduring legacy in decorative arts. It invites us to imagine the gleam of a fully realized piece amid candlelit banquets, embodying the era's celebration of refinement and whimsy. (198 words)