Pompeiian Design for Paneling 1850 - 1900

Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise created this design for paneling using pen and ink and watercolor. It’s rendered with precision, each line carefully placed to evoke the grandeur of ancient Rome. Lachaise was deeply engaged with historical styles, and his choice of watercolor allows for delicate gradations of tone that mimic the look of frescoes. The drawing isn’t just a record, though. It's a proposition, envisioning how classical motifs could be reinterpreted for a modern interior. Think of the labor involved in producing such designs, and then the even greater effort required to translate them into three-dimensional reality. The design process requires not just artistic skill, but also a deep understanding of materials and construction techniques. The drawing invites us to consider the broader social context in which designs like these were conceived and consumed, challenging the conventional divide between art and design.