Drawing of an Interior: Salle à manger 1857

This anonymous watercolor, titled *Drawing of an Interior: Salle à manger* (1857), depicts a glimpse into a Parisian dining room. The artist captures the elegant, light-filled space with delicate strokes and washes of color. The viewer is positioned looking through an open doorway, catching a view of the dining room table and an elaborately decorated chandelier. The drawing's focus on the interior details and the subtle use of perspective create a sense of intimacy and depth, inviting the viewer to imagine the everyday life of the occupants. The work is a prime example of 19th-century architectural drawing and captures the prevailing tastes of the time.