Ten designs for the painted decoration of an interior; one possibly for "Harwith" 1845 - 1900

Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise created these ten designs for the painted decoration of an interior with graphite and watercolor on paper. Lachaise was working at a time when traditional artistic and social conventions were being questioned and renegotiated, in the wake of the first world war. Looking at this piece, I think about the intimacy of interior design, the space and the identity of those who dwell within it. These designs could be read as a reflection of societal hierarchies, where ornamentation and detail often signify status. At the same time, I wonder if they challenge conventional ideas of beauty and domesticity by introducing new forms and patterns. The emotional aspect of these designs lies in their potential to transform a space, to create an environment that resonates with the individual. The artist's choice of muted tones and intricate details could be seen as a way of capturing the complexities of human experience within the domestic sphere. These designs encourage us to consider how our surroundings shape and reflect who we are, and how we choose to present ourselves to the world.