Corail et Coquillages, from "Collection de plantes étrangères en fleurs, fruits, corail et coquillages", 1784

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Alongside the advancement of their scientific study, shells, in 18th-century France, became an important design element in architecture, painting, furniture, and decorative arts. Shell motifs abounded, and they revealed a richness of color and shape, including bizarre coils, and fancy crenellated edges. This selection from a suite of sixty colored plates features shells in an entirely imaginary setting. Hanging from the branches of a bizarre plant that springs from a big sea snail, or blossoming from a coral tree, Jacques Charton’s shells epitomize the playfulness and visual pleasure of the Rococo period.

Details
Title
Corail et Coquillages, from "Collection de plantes étrangères en fleurs, fruits, corail et coquillages"
Artist Life
18th century
Role
Artist
Accession Number
P.17,142
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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