Design for an awning over a door, in Moorish style 1830 - 1897

Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise created this design for a Moorish-style awning using graphite and watercolor. The rendering employs traditional art materials to depict a structure intended for everyday life. The flat application of watercolor gives a sense of the fabric's texture, while the graphite outlines define the architectural elements. The design suggests the awning would provide shade and protection, while its Moorish style conveys an exotic aesthetic, one fashionable in Europe at the time. Creating such an awning involved skilled labor, from textile production to carpentry and installation. The design, therefore, represents a confluence of artistic vision and artisanal skills, combining practicality with cultural aspirations. Considering this artwork, it's important to remember how materials, making, and context influence our understanding, allowing us to appreciate the blend of function, style, and cultural exchange inherent in this design.