Design for Hall Ceiling, Hôtel de Trévise 1850 - 1900

Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise designed this hall ceiling for the Hôtel de Trévise using watercolor and graphite. The design presents a corner section of an ornate ceiling, where the eye is drawn to the detailed framework that surrounds a vast, open space. The framework, meticulously rendered, features a symphony of architectural elements and floral decorations. Note how the curves and sharp angles of the golden embellishments create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, adding depth and texture to the composition. These elements invite the eye to explore the subtle details of the design, revealing the artist's attention to form and structure. The design challenges fixed meanings through its delicate rendering, which destabilizes the traditional perception of architectural design as rigid and unyielding. Instead, it presents a visual dialogue that engages with new ways of thinking about space, perception, and representation, opening it up for ongoing interpretations.