Design for the decoration of a ceiling with strapwork and rinceaux 1830 - 1897

Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise created this ceiling design using pencil and watercolor. The material of the design, paper, is ephemeral, yet the intent is for transfer to a permanent architectural feature. The drawing gives a sense of what the final ceiling might look like. Consider how the flat surface of the paper contrasts with the three-dimensionality of the intended ceiling. The watercolor, applied with precision, mimics the colors and textures of the architectural elements. The very controlled, delicate strokes indicate the hand of a skilled draftsman. The design reflects a revival of classical motifs, with symmetrical patterns, rinceaux, and strapwork. While Lachaise engaged with historical traditions, the drawing also reflects the contemporary context of early 20th-century design. There is a direct connection between the hand of the artist and the final design. The drawing serves as a tangible link between the creative process and the realization of architectural space, blurring the boundaries between art, craft, and design.