Title Page (Upper Plate)
1680–1703
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council
Accession Number
1921-6-533-181
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Adam Pérelle (1638–1695), a prominent French engraver of the late Baroque era, created *Title Page (Upper Plate between 1680 and 1703. Working during the opulent reign of Louis XIV, Pérelle specialized in intricate prints depicting grand châteaus, gardens, and landscapes, often capturing the splendor of Versailles and royal estates. This piece, as the upper plate of a title page, likely served as an elegant introduction to a larger series of engravings, showcasing his mastery in disseminating architectural and topographic views to a wide audience across Europe. As a print, the work exemplifies 17th-century etching and engraving techniques, where fine lines and meticulous detail allowed for precise reproductions of elaborate designs. Prints like this were revolutionary for their time, making elite imagery accessible beyond the court and fostering a culture of visual documentation. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection—purchased by the Advisory Council—this artifact bridges French artistic innovation with American curatorial interest. Though research continues, *Title Page (Upper Plate)* invites us to appreciate Pérelle's role in preserving the grandeur of absolutist France, a testament to printmaking's power in shaping cultural memory.