LA MAISON DE MR. DE BOISFRANT A ST. OUËN
late 17th century
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-533-98
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**La Maison de Mr. defrant à St. Ouën** Created by French engraver Adam Perelle (1638–1695) in the late 17th, *La Maison de Mr. Boisfrant à St Ouën* is a print capturing the elegance of a gentleman's residence near Paris. Perelle, renowned for his topographic views and architectural scenes, specialized in intricate engravings that documented the grandeur of French estates during the opulent reign of Louis XIV. This exemplifies his meticulous line work, where fine hatching and cross-hatching techniques bring stone facades, manicured gardens, and sprawling grounds to life with remarkable precision. As a print, the artwork reflects the era's booming printmaking culture, which democratized images of aristocratic life for collectors and the emerging bourgeoisie. Saint-Ouen, a suburb favored by the elite, hosted lavish châteaus symbolizing wealth and status amid France's Baroque splendor. Though research on this specific piece is ongoing, it offers a window into 17th-century domestic architecture and Perelle's role in preserving such vanishing vistas. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection—purchased by the Advisory Council—this print invites visitors to ponder the interplay of art, architecture, and social hierarchy in ancien régime France. A testament to enduring craftsmanship, it reminds us how engravings bridged private splendor and public admiration.