Design for the decoration of the stairway in the Chateau d'Ognon of M. de Machy (Oise, France) 1850 - 1900

Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise created this design for the decoration of a stairway using graphite, pen, and watercolor on paper. The artwork immediately strikes one with its intricate geometric and floral patterns, rendered in a delicate palette of soft yellows, whites, and pinks. The grid-like structure underlying the design suggests a meticulous, almost mathematical approach to decoration. Lachaise's design operates on several levels. It marries geometric precision with organic forms, creating a tension between order and nature. This interplay can be interpreted through the lens of structuralism, where the underlying grid represents a fixed system, while the floral motifs introduce elements of variability. The composition invites us to consider how architectural spaces are not just functional but also carriers of cultural codes. The design hints at an attempt to redefine classical ornamentation within a modern framework. Consider the interplay between the planned rigidity and the organic motifs as you reflect on how Lachaise uses form to navigate historical artistic traditions, inviting us to contemplate the evolving nature of aesthetic and cultural values.