Plan for a Decorated Ceiling c. 1750

Pierre Varin made this plan for a decorated ceiling around 1750, likely using ink on laid paper. The design is a complex arrangement of geometric shapes, primarily squares and circles, laid out in a symmetrical pattern. Darkened areas contrast sharply with lighter, intricately detailed sections, creating a play of positive and negative space. This contrast draws the eye across the plan, highlighting key architectural elements and decorative motifs. Varin employs a semiotic system where circles may represent structural supports or focal points, while the detailed sections indicate areas for ornamentation. The overall structure evokes a sense of baroque grandeur, characteristic of the period. The strict geometry contrasts with the ornate detailing, reflecting the tension between rational design and decorative excess, a theme often explored in architectural theory of the time. This plan thus operates on multiple levels, functioning both as a practical blueprint and a statement on the aesthetics and values of its era.