Design for the decoration of a ceiling 1850 - 1900

This design for a ceiling decoration by Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features a geometric pattern of intersecting lines that create a radiating effect. The design is executed in watercolor and ink on paper, and it showcases the artist's interest in architectural detail and the interplay of light and shadow. The blue background, adorned with a repeating pattern of small white stars, evokes a sense of night sky, further enhancing the visual dynamism of the design. Lachaise was known for his work in various artistic fields, and this decorative design exemplifies his talent for harmonizing form, texture, and visual rhythm.