Design for the Decoration of Firearms 1772 - 1830

This intricate drawing, created by French artist Nicolas Noël Boutet between 1772 and 1830, is a design for the decoration of firearms. The design features a central winged figure, framed by a repeating motif of diamonds and stylized floral elements. Boutet's work demonstrates the elaborate and ornate aesthetic favored in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, highlighting the skill and artistry employed in the decoration of weapons during this period. The drawing, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship and decorative details that adorned firearms of the era.