Design for the Decoration of the Surround of the Barrel Tang of a Firearm 1772 - 1830

Nicolas Noël Boutet’s “Design for the Decoration of the Surround of the Barrel Tang of a Firearm” is a detailed ink drawing created between 1772 and 1830. The drawing features a symmetrical, swirling design of foliate scrolls and an intricate central motif, all framed by two squirrels perched atop slender pedestals. This decorative design would have been used to adorn the barrel tang of a firearm, a detail often embellished with ornate designs during this period. The intricate design and exquisite craftsmanship of this piece exemplifies the artistic talent of Boutet, a skilled French designer known for his work in ornamental and decorative arts. This drawing, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, offers a glimpse into the world of decorative art and firearm design during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.