Design for Ceiling, Hôtel Hope 1867

Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise made this design for a ceiling at the Hôtel Hope using watercolor, gouache, and graphite on paper. It is tempting to see this as a straightforward example of decorative arts. But look closely and you'll see that it's more than just a pretty picture. The drawing depicts a coffered ceiling, a luxury embellishment in hotels during the late 1800s. These elaborate interiors were made by skilled artisans, carpenters, plasterers, and painters. Consider the labor and materials involved: the sourcing of pigments, the precise application of paint, and the coordination of different trades. The artist here is not just creating an image, but also orchestrating a whole range of creative practices. This design offers a glimpse into the social context of luxury and the hierarchies of labor and production. It invites us to appreciate the artistry and craft that often go unnoticed in grand architectural settings.