Design for the Decoration of a Cornice with Putti holding a Garland (recto); Red Chalk Sketches (verso) 17th century

This design for a cornice decoration, with putti holding a garland, was rendered anonymously in ink and wash on paper. The artist has paid careful attention to the play of light and shadow over the architectural details, and the plump bodies of the putti. The work’s strength lies in the precision of the drawing, and the artist's mastery of ink application to suggest depth and dimension. The design gives us insight into the wider production processes of interior design, where specialized artisans and workshops were necessary for the production of plasterwork, carpentry, and painting. We can imagine the laborious work required to translate this delicate design into a three-dimensional cornice, involving teams of skilled laborers, each contributing to the final decorative element. Considering this drawing in relation to the final product that it anticipates allows us to appreciate the skilled traditions and labour involved in creating luxurious interior spaces. This challenges the perception of fine art as separate from design and craft.