Ontwerp voor de Mariakapel in de Saint-Sulpice in Parijs 1738 - 1749

This is Antoine Hérisset’s design from 1727 for the chapel of Saint Sulpice in Paris, made with ink on laid paper. Look closely, and you’ll see that it represents not the chapel itself, but a geometrically accurate plan for its construction. This print is more than just a rendering; it is a proposal, meant to be used in the highly skilled trades involved in realizing such a monumental space. Hérisset’s design would have demanded the coordination of stone carvers, metalworkers, and painters, all contributing their expertise. The print thus encapsulates both the creative vision of the architect and the combined labor of many hands required to bring it to life. This reminds us that even the most visionary design is dependent on the means and social relations of production. Ultimately, this object challenges any hierarchy between design and craft, revealing them to be deeply connected endeavors.