Design for an arched stained glass window, showing two alternative patterns 1869

Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise made this design for an arched stained glass window with watercolor and graphite. Though undated, this piece points us toward a fascinating moment in the history of art institutions. Here, Lachaise presents two alternative patterns, each speaking to different aesthetic and social values. The design on the left evokes a sense of naturalism with its green leaf pattern, perhaps reflecting a desire to reconnect with nature amidst increasing industrialization. The design on the right, with its geometric shapes, aligns more with the stylized aesthetic that would come to be known as Art Deco. France, at this time, was a nation grappling with its identity in the wake of rapid modernization. Understanding the role of institutions like design schools and museums in shaping artistic tastes is crucial, along with consulting pattern books and architectural journals from the period. This design offers a glimpse into the visual debates that animated French culture at the beginning of the twentieth century.