Designs for the Decoration of Firearms 1772 - 1830

"Designs for the Decoration of Firearms" is a set of two pen and ink drawings on paper by French artist Nicolas Noël Boutet, dated between 1772 and 1830. These designs, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, are elaborate and delicate, showcasing the intricate ornamentation that characterized the Rococo period in Europe. Boutet, a skilled designer and artist, captured the essence of this stylistic trend through his detailed drawings, demonstrating his mastery of form, line, and the art of decorative detail. The designs, with their swirling patterns and floral motifs, offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship and artistic sensibilities of the 18th and 19th centuries.