Design for a ceiling painted with clouds and flowering vines 1830 - 1897

Curator: It has a rather serene quality. A pale sky above a decorative molding. Editor: We're looking at a design for a ceiling painted with clouds and flowering vines by Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise, likely created between 1830 and 1897. It's currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The artist used watercolor, ink, and possibly graphite to produce this architectural drawing. Curator: The medium emphasizes the ephemerality of the subject matter. The watercolor seems almost weightless, which is perfect for suggesting the vastness of the sky on a ceiling. I wonder if the production of artwork during that time made it more desirable or not given the architectural process. Editor: These kinds of decorative programs are fascinating. Ceiling paintings were often commissioned by wealthy patrons to create immersive environments. How did these designs influence perceptions of power and luxury? How would this have served as status symbol? Curator: I immediately focus on the artist’s choices in the frame's materials; note the way it is painted around with a specific design. I'd like to know more about this architectural component that serves to amplify the sensation of this illusion. Editor: The artist might have aimed to provide the sensation of openness to the public, bringing nature into domestic and institutional spaces. Who were the artisans responsible for executing Lachaise's vision, and what was their role in shaping the final product? It offers the possibility of how nature and design became entwined. Curator: That’s a critical point! The relationship between Lachaise, his patrons, and the eventual workers, is something I hadn't considered! Thanks for pointing it out. Editor: And thanks to you. Looking at this design through the lens of its materiality really underscores the ambition of the artist and potential artisans, imagining something beautiful for an entire room.