Five designs for the decoration of interiors 1830 - 1897

Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise made these five designs for the decoration of interiors, using graphite and gray wash on paper. They bring up questions about the history of interior design and the social values embedded in decorative styles. Made in France, these drawings reflect the enduring influence of classical and baroque aesthetics on French design. The intricate patterns and motifs, like the acanthus leaves and stylized figures, evoke a sense of luxury and refinement that has historically been associated with the upper classes. The designs are not just aesthetic exercises, but potential components of spaces where social hierarchies were reinforced. These designs, with their dense ornamentation, suggest an interesting tension between tradition and modernity. How might these designs have been adapted or challenged in the context of early 20th-century France? To delve deeper, one might explore period design magazines, architectural treatises, and social histories to understand the cultural values these designs embody. The meaning of art is contingent on social and institutional context.