Protection accordée aux beaux-arts 1663 (Protection Granted to the Fine Arts 1663) [pl. 24]

published 1752

Jean-Baptiste Massé (designer) and Louis de Surugue de Surgis (engraver) after Charles Le Brun

Associated Names
Jean-Baptiste Massé

Artist, French, 1687 - 1767

Louis de Surugue de Surgis

Engraver, French, c. 1686 - 1762

Charles Le Brun

Artist After, French, 1619 - 1690

This is a drawing of an ornate architectural decoration with an allegorical scene in the center. The central oval composition features various figures engaged in a classical allegorical setting. The outer frame includes motifs like garlands, fruits, and columns. Two muscular figures are depicted at the sides, which appear to be Atlantes supporting the structure above them. Cherubs are depicted at the top. The drawing exemplifies baroque style with elaborate detail and emphasis on grandeur and drama.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of David H. McDonnell

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 64 × 46.2 cm (25 3/16 × 18 3/16 in.)
    plate: 48.6 × 36.8 cm (19 1/8 × 14 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2015.142.1.28

Associated Artworks

See all 56 artworks
The image shows a half-length portrait of a seated man named Jean Baptiste Massé. He is facing slightly towards the viewer in a formal posture. He has a round face, wavy shoulder-length hair, and a subtle smile. He is dressed in an elaborate coat with large buttons and lace cuffs, along with a lace cravat. In his hand, he holds a large rolled sheet of paper with intricate designs. Beside him is an ornate table with art supplies and tools. The background includes a classical sculpture figure and a patterned wall or tapestry.

Jean Baptiste Massé

Johann Georg Wille

1755

This is a photograph of a historical title page. The page shows a printed text announcing a work titled "La Grande Galerie de Versailles, et les deux Salons qui l'accompagnent," credited to Charles Le Brun, with designs by Jean-Baptiste Massé and engraving by artists supervised by Le Brun. The page features a central decorative emblem, a detailed crest surrounded by foliage. The text is laid out elegantly, with various font sizes and styles, and indicates Paris as the place of printing by the Royal Printer in 1752. The background has a slightly aged appearance, typical of old paper.

La Grande Galerie de Versailles, et les deux salons qui l'accompagnent (The Grand Gallery of Versailles and Two Accompanying Salons)

Jean-Baptiste Massé, Johann Georg Wille, Various Artists

1752

Développemens de la décoration intérieure, et des Peintres du plafond de la Galerie de Versailles (Plan of the Interior Decoration and Ceiling Paintings in the Versailles Gallery)

Jean-Baptiste Massé, Andrew Lawrence, Charles-Nicolas Cochin II

1752


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Dyson Perrins Museum Trust (stamp). R.W. Burns (bookplate). David H. McDonnell, Arlington, VA; gift to NGA, 2015.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

In plate: LL: Peint par Ch. Le Brun et dessiné par J.B. Massé; LR: Gravé par Surugue pere

Wikidata ID

Q77112759

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