Designs for the Decoration of Firearms 1772 - 1830

This is a design for firearm decoration, made on paper by Nicolas Noël Boutet, sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. Boutet was celebrated for his innovative and luxurious weaponry. Note the elaborate ornamentation here. We see scrolling foliage, classical urns, and what appear to be stylized crowns. Boutet was celebrated for his innovative and luxurious weaponry. In his moment, firearms were as much a display of status as implements of force. The drawing is a direct link to the craftsperson’s hand and mind, but it also speaks to the broader social context of production. Boutet was known for employing a large workshop of skilled artisans. This design is a testament to the skilled labor and artistry involved in creating luxury items. This drawing invites us to consider the value and artistry of craft. It’s easy to overlook the amount of design work behind even a functional object, and this reminds us of the creative labor involved.