Design for a Pedentive Decoration 1700 - 1800

This is a design for a pendentive decoration, an ink drawing by an anonymous artist, currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The eye is immediately drawn to the symmetrical arrangement of figures within the triangular space, a composition which evokes a sense of classical harmony and balance. The curved base mirrors the arc of the central medallion, creating a visual echo that reinforces the overall structure. We find angels, with their gazes and gestures oriented toward the circle. It's worth noting the artist's preoccupation with depicting drapery, the use of line creating volume and movement. The linear quality here is not just descriptive; it's constructive. The varying densities of hatching create areas of light and shadow, lending depth to the otherwise flat surface. The empty circle at the centre of the composition could reflect a break from established norms, signaling a shift towards new ways of thinking about space, perception and representation. Rather than providing a definitive statement, this design invites contemplation on the interplay between form and function, and what it means to decorate.