Project for a Chinese Pavillion 1730 - 1818

Michel Barthelemy Hazon sketched this watercolor and graphite project for a Chinese Pavilion in the 18th century. Dragons, those ancient symbols of power and good fortune in Chinese culture, are a prominent feature of its ornamentation. These dragons are not merely decorative; they speak to a deeper cultural dialogue between Europe and China during this period, a fascination with the exotic ‘Orient.’ Yet, these dragons are re-imagined through a European lens, reflecting the West's interpretation and adaptation of Eastern motifs. Think of how the dragon, a symbol of wisdom and benevolence in the East, might transform when it appears in European art, sometimes tinged with Western notions of the 'mysterious' or 'exotic'. Notice how the pavilion's architectural style blends European Rococo with Chinese elements. This fusion embodies a complex interplay of cultural appropriation and artistic interpretation, a dance of symbols across continents and centuries. It is a testament to how cultural symbols evolve, carrying layers of meaning that reflect both conscious artistic intent and the subconscious echoes of cultural exchange.