Two Views of a Bracket 1775 - 1785

Richard de Lalonde created this drawing, "Two Views of a Bracket," with graphite and gray wash on paper in the late 1700s. The drawing presents two distinct perspectives of what appears to be an ornamental bracket, each meticulously rendered with attention to detail and shadow. The image is dominated by the contrast between the intricate, curvilinear forms of the brackets and the smooth, flat background. Lalonde’s choice to depict the bracket from two angles invites a structural reading. The bracket on the left showcases a spiral design, reminiscent of classical motifs, while the bracket on the right displays a more linear, vertical orientation. The semiotic interplay between these forms may suggest a dialogue between traditional and emerging aesthetic values. Lalonde's careful use of shading constructs depth and volume, emphasizing the bracket's architectural function within a theoretical space. Ultimately, the drawing asks us to consider how architectural elements embody cultural meaning. It also invites a continuous reassessment of form and function.