Plate Five from Plusieurs Models des plus nouuelles manieres qui sont en usage en l'Art de Arquebuzerie

Art Historical Context

Step into the opulent world of 17th-century French craftsmanship with *Plate Five* from *Plusieurs Models plus nouuelles manieres qui sont en usage en l de Arquebuzerie*, an engraving by Adrien Reynier (called Le Hollandois), C. Jacquinet, andaine, circa 1660. Created in Paris during the reign of Louis XIV, this work on paper (7 1/4 x 5 1/4 in.) showcases intricate ornamental designs intended for the embellishment of arquebuses—early muzzle-loading firearms. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Arms and Armor Department, it exemplifies how even weapons were transformed into status symbols through lavish decoration. This plate reflects the era's fusion of functionality and artistry, when gunsmiths drew inspiration from Baroque motifs like scrolling foliage, mythical creatures, and elaborate cartouches. Engravings like this served as pattern books, allowing artisans across Europe to replicate fashionable styles, democratizing high-end design in the burgeoning field of decorative arms. Reynier and his collaborators captured these motifs with fine lines and meticulous shading, a technique that highlighted the precision of copperplate engraving—ideal for reproducing complex patterns on metal stocks and barrels. Its cultural significance lies in bridging fine art and martial technology, underscoring France's leadership in ornamental metalwork. Acquired through the Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift in 2016, this piece invites visitors to appreciate the unexpected beauty in historical weaponry.

About the Artist

Adrien Reynier, called Le Hollandois|C. Jacquinet|Thuraine (French|French|French) · 1625 |1625 |1625 –1675 |1675 |1675

French, born ca. 1630|French, Paris, active mid-17th century|French, Paris, active mid-17th century