Plafonds met stervorm, guirlandes en medaillons 1763

Jean François de Neufforge created this print of ceiling designs sometime in the 18th century. It’s made with etching, a printmaking technique where acid is used to cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Looking closely, you can see the incredible level of detail achieved through this process. The geometric patterns, floral garlands, and classical medallions are all rendered with precision. This wasn’t just about aesthetics; these designs would have served as templates for skilled plasterers, who would translate these two-dimensional drawings into elaborate, three-dimensional ceiling decorations for wealthy clients. Think of the labor involved: the architect’s design, the etcher's skill, and the plasterer’s craft. This print represents a confluence of artistic vision and skilled labor, all operating within a system of patronage and consumption that defined the 18th century. The value isn't just in the final product, but in the many hands and processes that brought it to life.