Study for a Stage Set 1700 - 1761

Jacques de Lajoüe's "Study for a Stage Set" is a meticulously crafted watercolor on paper from the 18th century, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It features an elaborate architectural design, showcasing a series of arches framed by ornate pilasters and fountains, leading to a picturesque vista of trees and a distant landscape. De Lajoüe's precise rendering of architectural details and atmospheric perspective conveys a sense of grandeur and illusion, typical of stage design from the Baroque period. This drawing provides valuable insight into the artistic practices and theatrical aesthetics of the time, revealing the meticulous attention to detail required for creating captivating stage sets.