Thirteen Designs for the Decoration of Firearms 1772 - 1830

This 18th-century design sheet by French artist Nicolas Noël Boutet showcases thirteen intricate drawings of decorative elements for firearms. The sheet features a variety of motifs, from scrolling foliage and fanciful animals to geometric forms, demonstrating the detailed artistry that could be applied to weaponry of the period. Boutet's designs would have inspired gunsmiths in creating highly ornate and personalized firearms. The use of pen and ink in this work showcases the precision and detail of Boutet's vision, while the sheet's intimate size suggests it was a working drawing for his own creative exploration.