Daniel Marot the Younger was a French-born artist and designer who is primarily known for his work in the decorative arts and architecture during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Born in 1661 in Paris, France, he was the son of Jean Marot, an architect and engraver, which provided young Daniel with an artistic environment from an early age.
Marot initially trained under his father and developed a strong foundation in design and engraving. His family was Protestant, and following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685 by Louis XIV, which persecuted Protestants, Marot, like many Huguenots, fled France. He settled in the Netherlands, where he found a more tolerant environment for his religious beliefs and was able to continue his work.
In the Netherlands, Marot quickly became a prominent figure in his field. He worked for William III of Orange, who became the King of England, Scotland, and Ireland. When William ascended to the English throne, Marot accompanied him to England, where he became influential in spreading the Louis XIV style, also known as the French classical Baroque style. His work in England significantly impacted the local design and decorative arts, particularly through his engravings and furniture designs.
Marot's designs encompassed a wide range of objects, including interiors, gardens, furniture, and decorative objects. His style is characterized by intricate ornamentation, with a strong emphasis on symmetry and the use of classical elements. Marot is also known for his work in printmaking, producing a significant number of engravings that depicted his designs, which helped disseminate his style across Europe.
Despite his impact on English design, Marot returned to the Netherlands after William III's death in 1702 and continued to work there until his death in 1752. Throughout his career, Marot's work reflected the transition from the Baroque to the Rococo style, and he is considered a significant figure in the development of decorative arts during his time.