Design for the Decoration of the Side Plate of a Firearm 1772 - 1830

This pen-and-ink drawing, "Design for the Decoration of the Side Plate of a Firearm," by French artist Nicolas Noël Boutet, depicts a detailed design for the side plate of a firearm. Created between 1772 and 1830, the drawing features a delicate pattern of stylized floral motifs and geometric shapes, characteristic of the Rococo and Neoclassical styles that were popular during the 18th and 19th centuries. This design exemplifies the fine craftsmanship and intricate ornamentation that adorned firearms during this period. The drawing is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York City and serves as a valuable document of decorative arts from the late 18th century.