Design for a ceiling with putti 1850 - 1900

Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise designed this ceiling with putti in watercolor, and it presents a symmetrical layout that draws the eye to its central motif: a vignette of cherubic figures resting on clouds. The soft, diffused light of the watercolor lends a dreamlike quality to the scene. Lachaise’s design uses a carefully structured grid. Notice how the pastel shades of lilac, cream, and sky blue are compartmentalized by the linear framework. Each section, adorned with floral or cherubic details, contributes to the overall harmony of the composition. The symmetrical arrangement and the repetition of motifs underscore a classical sensibility, yet the gentle palette softens what could be a rigid structure. The design destabilizes the traditional hierarchies found in ceiling art. It moves away from the grandiose narratives of classical or baroque ceilings, instead offering a more intimate, decorative experience. It’s a design that invites contemplation, where form and color combine to create a space of lightness and calm.