Design for the Decoration of a Pistol Grip 1772 - 1830

This is a design on paper for the decoration of a pistol grip, created by Nicolas Noël Boutet in the late 18th or early 19th century. The drawing is intricate, showing the detailed ornamentation planned for the pistol grip, including a ram's head and elaborate bands of decoration. Boutet was celebrated for his luxury firearms, and the design demonstrates the high level of artistry associated with this craft. The design's material and technique, ink on paper, are far removed from the labor-intensive processes of gun-making, such as forging, carving, and inlaying. What is especially interesting is the social context of such a luxury item. The design hints at the economies of skill and labor of weapons production, and the status of the person who would have commissioned such an object. The very concept of a decorative firearm invites us to consider the relationship between art, craft, violence and power.