Design for a Trompe-l'oeil Ceiling Decoration by Pietro de Angelis

Design for a Trompe-l'oeil Ceiling Decoration c. 1780

pietrodeangelis

drawing

natural stone pattern

rippled sketch texture

aged paper

paper texture

carved into stone

repetitive shape and pattern

repetition of pattern

vertical pattern

pattern repetition

layered pattern

Pietro de Angelis's *Design for a Trompe-l'oeil Ceiling Decoration* (c. 1780) is a detailed drawing of a complex architectural design. The drawing depicts a ceiling with multiple layers of columns and frames, creating an illusion of depth and height. The central panel is left blank for the artist to paint figures, possibly angels as suggested by the faint sketches in the drawing. This trompe-l'oeil technique, meaning “deceive the eye,” was popular in the 18th century, adding visual grandeur to interior spaces. The architectural details in the drawing showcase de Angelis's skill in perspective and draftsmanship, highlighting the beauty and illusion of the ceiling design.