L'Art de Tourner, ou de faire en perfection toutes sortes d'ouvrages au tour

Art Historical Context

Step into the intricate world of 18th craftsmanship with *L'Art de Tourner ou de faire en perfection toutes sortes d'ouvrages tour* (1749), a masterful instructional book on the art of lathe turning. Originally inspired by Charles Plumier's pioneering 1701 treatise, this edition—edited by Charles Antoine Jbert with contributions from François Baillieul, Michel Begon and Jacques Chardon—cases the precision of woodturning and ornamental lathe work. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's and Prints department, this engraved volume (15 15/16 x 10 9/16 x 1 3/4 in.) reflects the Enlightenment's passion for technical mastery and scientific illustration. The engravings, a hallmark of the period's reproductive printmaking, capture detailed demonstrations of turning techniques, with a focus on deft hands manipulating tools and lathes. These images not only instructed artisans in creating flawless decorative objects—from intricate ivory ornaments to architectural moldings—but also elevated woodworking to an intellectual pursuit, blending art and engineering. Culturally, the book underscores France's leadership in *arts mécaniques*, bridging fine arts and trades during the rococo era. Acquired through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1945, it reminds us how such manuals democratized elite skills, inspiring generations of makers. A testament to human ingenuity, its pages invite you to appreciate the artistry in everyday precision.

About the Artist

Charles Plumier|Charles Antoine Jombert|François Baillieul|Michel Begon|Jacques Chardon ( |French|French|French|French) · |1712 | |1667 |0018 – |1784 | |1747 |0018

|French, 1712–1784|French|French, 1667–1747|French