11501 Jean Bérain the Elder (1640–1711) – Architectural Fantasy with Obelisk and Dome – Engraving (1711)
"Desseins de Cheminées." This engraving presents an intricate architectural caprice typical of the late Baroque and early Rococo transition. The composition is centered on a highly ornate obelisk adorned with relief carvings, set atop a tiered base featuring classical figures and decorative urns. In the background, a coffered dome with a gallery of statues rises above an arched colonnade, creating a sense of grand theatrical space. The foreground is framed by monumental pilasters supported by atlantes, with the entire scene unified by delicate arabesques, lambrequins, and foliate motifs. This work was published in Paris as part of a collection documenting the influential ornamental designs that defined the visual identity of the court of King Louis XIV.
Jean Bérain the Elder was a French painter, draughtsman, and engraver who served as the primary designer for the Cabinet du Roi. He was instrumental in creating the "Bérain style," which integrated classical architecture with light, whimsical ornamentation like grotesques and slender scrolls. As the designer for the Royal Chamber and Cabinet, he oversaw everything from interior decor and furniture to festive costumes and garden layouts at Versailles. His work bridges the heavy classical style of Le Brun and the lighter Rococo movement of the eighteenth century. Bérain’s engravings were widely circulated throughout Europe, establishing a unified aesthetic for French luxury and statecraft that was emulated by royal courts across the continent.
Artist or Maker: Jean Bérain the Elder.
Dimensions: Approximately 31 cm x 24 cm.
Medium: Engraving.
Date: 1711.
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Estimate | 200 - 300 SEK |
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