Two Designs for the Decoration of Barrel Tang Surrounds of a Firearm 1772 - 1830

This pen-and-ink drawing by Nicolas Noël Boutet, a French artist, is a design for the decoration of a firearm, dating back to the late 18th or early 19th century. The design features two elaborate, symmetrical patterns of foliage and flowers, framing a central space that would have been adorned with a decorative motif. The artwork, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases the intricate decorative style popular during this period, highlighting the artistry and craftsmanship involved in the creation of firearms. The detailed ornamentation speaks to the high value placed on decorative arts in the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as the growing popularity of firearms for both practical and aesthetic purposes.