Design for wall decoration in the house of Baron Malet in Jouy-en-Josas (Seine et Gise) 1871

This is a design for wall decoration in the house of Baron Malet in Jouy-en-Josas, made by Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise. It depicts a revival of medieval styles, a trend popular among the aristocracy for its associations of noble heritage. The Baron was tapping into the historical narratives and symbolism of the French monarchy through the use of fleur-de-lis and pointed gothic arches in the design. The choice to evoke these historical styles within a domestic interior served to create a sense of lineage and aristocratic identity. It also speaks to a desire to root oneself in a longer national history. The design reflects the cultural values of the upper class in France who often looked to historical styles to express social status. The design is an assertion of conservative values at a time of rapid social change. Historians use sources such as architectural plans, estate records and family papers to help understand the social history behind works such as these. The history of art depends on understanding the social context of its creation.