Design for Gallery Ceiling, Hôtel Cottier 1874 - 1884

This watercolor design by Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise, created between 1874 and 1884, envisions a decorative ceiling for the Hôtel Cottier. The design features a vaulted ceiling with a central motif surrounded by intricate, swirling patterns, reminiscent of Rococo style. The edges of the ceiling are adorned with floral garlands and a depiction of a sky with clouds, suggesting a sense of openness and grandeur. This delicate design, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, exemplifies the exquisite decorative artistry of the late 19th century.