Design for a Frieze with Putti and Garland (related to the Arc du Carrousel)
Anonymous, French, 19th century|Pierre François Léonard Fontaine|Charles Percier
ca. 1806–08 · Pen and black ink over graphite · Drawings and Prints
This classicizing design for a frieze consists of four putti carrying a garland, with a laurel wreath at center. The prototype for this design can be found in Roman sarcophagi, and the motif was also popular during the High Renaissance. This and a second drawing in the collection (2001.753.4) can be related to the decorations of the Arc du Carrousel in Paris, built between 1806 and 1808 under the artistic direction of Charles Percier and Pierre Francois Leonard Fontaine. While they do not match the drawings precisely, four friezes on the arch closely follow the overall concept proposed in the two designs in the Museum's collection.
- Artist
- Anonymous, French, 19th century|Pierre François Léonard Fontaine|Charles Percier
- Date
- ca. 1806–08
- Medium
- Pen and black ink over graphite
- Department
- Drawings and Prints
- Credit line
- Gift of The Christian Humann Foundation, 2001
