Oval design for a ceiling painted with putti in clouds 1850 - 1900

This oval design by Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise, now at the Metropolitan Museum, presents us with a vision of putti amidst clouds, a motif resonant with centuries of artistic tradition. These cherubic figures, symbols of divine love and innocence, are no strangers to the history of art. We find their distant ancestors in ancient Roman depictions of Eros, the god of love, and his playful retinue. Through the ages, they have reappeared in various guises, adorning Renaissance frescoes, Baroque ceilings, and even Rococo boudoirs. Observe how Lachaise's putti, with their chubby limbs and innocent gazes, evoke a sense of carefree joy and ethereal beauty. They remind us of the enduring human desire to transcend the mundane and connect with something higher, something divine. This yearning for the celestial is a recurring theme in art, a powerful force that engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. In viewing this work, we are reminded that symbols are never static; they evolve, adapt, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.