Jean Berain

Jean Berain was an influential designer whose documented activity spans the mid-seventeenth century, between 1650 and 1658. Berain’s work centered on the creation of complex ornamental designs and theatrical subjects, affirming his significant role in the applied arts of the period. The artist's importance is established by the presence of his work in institutional holdings, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The record of Berain's output in museum collections consists primarily of published material, encompassing 12 books, two drawings, and one print. These holdings illustrate a versatility across scale and subject matter, ranging from architectural studies to figure work. Specific design entries include the elaborate drawing Design for a Ceiling, alongside ornament designs such as Plate, page 65 from "Ornament Designs Invented by J. Berain" and Plate, page 71 from "Ornament Designs Invented by J. Berain". Berain also captured contemporary performance, exemplified by the works Du Moulin in Peasant Garb Dancing at the Opera and Female Actor in Ballet Costume.

While direct evidence of Jean Berain paintings is limited within these documented collections, the artist's influence was widely disseminated through his printed books. Due to the antiquity of these works, many original Jean Berain prints are recognized as part of the public domain. This status allows for the widespread availability of high-quality prints and downloadable artwork derived from his influential and sophisticated design corpus.