Diverses Pieces de Serruriers, page 16 (recto) 1658 - 1668

Jean Berain made this print of ironwork designs sometime in the late 17th or early 18th century. It provides us with a glimpse into the visual culture of the French aristocracy. These elegant patterns were intended for balustrades and banisters in the homes of the wealthy. The designs exemplify the aesthetic of the French Baroque, an aesthetic that equated luxury with power. Berain was employed as a designer for the royal court of Louis XIV, and his work shaped the opulent look of the Palace of Versailles, which became a model for elites across Europe. Prints like this played an important role in disseminating the French court style. They provided templates for craftsmen, allowing them to reproduce fashionable designs for a wider clientele. Close study of prints and other source materials is essential for understanding the circulation of artistic ideas and the formation of taste in this period.