Rocaille Cartouche with the Abduction of Helen of Troy, from "'Livre D'Ornemens Inventes & Dessines Par J. O. Meissonnier (...)"
Obelle French
After Juste Aurèle Meissonnier French
Publisher Gabriel Huquier French
Not on view
Juste Aurele Meissonnier was one of the most important silversmiths of the eighteenth century, and through his prints also became an important influence in the development of the taste and appreciation for Rococo design. This print shows a design for a vignette containing a large symmetrical cartouche with architectural elements, leaf and rocaille motifs and a compartment in the center containing a depiction of the Abduction of Helen of Troy. It was part of the series 'Livre D'Ornemens Inventes & Dessines Par J. O. Meissonnier (....)', which consisted of a title and six prints with designs for rocaille ornament, several of which show cartouches surrounding a central scene. Meissonnier requested a privilege for the series in November of 1733 and officially published it in March 1734. The series is known in four states and was also copied in England by Francois Vivares. Several of the designs from the series were are known to have been adapted for the decoration of tobacco and snuff boxes.
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