The Throne Room at Fontainebleau c. 1845

Thomas Allom made this watercolor of The Throne Room at Fontainebleau sometime in the 19th century. It is made from watercolor and graphite on paper. The Throne Room is represented here in muted, almost ghostly hues, achieved with subtle washes of color. This approach softens the grandeur of the space, almost hinting at the labor and craftsmanship required to complete it. The choice of watercolor, a medium often associated with sketches and preliminary studies, further emphasizes the process over the finished product. Allom’s focus on the making of the Throne Room reflects a broader interest in the social and cultural significance embedded within the artwork. The meticulous details, though faint, suggest the skilled labor involved in creating such an opulent setting. By highlighting these aspects, Allom elevates the craftsmanship and labor often overlooked in traditional fine art depictions of opulent interiors. This piece invites us to consider the full scope of production, challenging the artificial divide between art and craft.