Who painted Fanciful Costumes: Costume of the Fireworks Maker?

Fanciful Costumes: Costume of the Fireworks Maker was painted by Nicolas de Larmessin II in 1690.

Where can I see Fanciful Costumes: Costume of the Fireworks Maker?

Fanciful Costumes: Costume of the Fireworks Maker is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Fanciful Costumes: Costume of the Fireworks Maker?

Fanciful Costumes: Costume of the Fireworks Maker is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Fanciful Costumes: Costume of the Fireworks Maker

Nicolas de Larmessin II , 1690

Fanciful Costumes: Costume of the Fireworks Maker is a print by the Baroque artist Nicolas de Larmessin II. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This print belongs to a larger collection of roughly seventy images that whimsically depict a variety of occupations.

About this work

Overview

This print belongs to a larger collection of roughly seventy images that whimsically depict a variety of occupations. Each work presents a costumed figure whose attire incorporates visual cues that identify the trade being represented, turning everyday labor into a theatrical tableau.

Subject & Meaning

In this particular image the central figure is a fireworks maker, shown wearing a helmet that appears to launch a spray of sparks upward, suggesting the volatile nature of the craft. The costume functions as a visual metaphor, highlighting the danger and spectacle associated with pyrotechnic work.

Technique & Style

The artist employs fine line work and decorative motifs to render the elaborate costume, emphasizing ornamental detail over realistic rendering. The composition balances the figure against a plain background, allowing the intricate armor‑like attire and the simulated fireworks to dominate the visual field.

History & Provenance

The print is part of the series created in the early nineteenth century, a period when genre prints often celebrated professional identities through allegorical dress. It is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed among other works from the same series.

Context

The series reflects a broader cultural fascination with the specialization of labor during the Industrial Revolution, presenting each trade with a blend of humor and reverence. By assigning each worker a fantastical costume, the artist both documents and romanticizes the diverse skills that underpinned contemporary society.