Design for the Decoration of the Corner of a Ceiling 17th century

This design for a ceiling corner is made with pen and brown ink, with a watercolor wash on laid paper. Though the artist is unknown, the drawing evokes a sense of the labor involved in architectural decoration. Consider the time-consuming work required to transfer this design onto plaster, and then to model the ornate details. This includes the volutes, floral garlands, and other decorative flourishes seen here. The intention is to fill space with ornament, creating an atmosphere of opulence and grandeur. What’s interesting here is how the drawing translates the qualities of sculpture. The pen lines mimic the sharp edges of carved stone or plaster, while the watercolor suggests the subtle gradations of light and shadow. Drawings like this one allowed architects and artisans to collaborate on complex projects, coordinating the skills of draftsmen, sculptors, and painters. It reminds us of the collective effort behind even the most seemingly singular works of art.