Measured Drawing of Cornice 1800 - 1900

Editor: So, this is "Measured Drawing of Cornice," dating from somewhere between 1800 and 1900. It's by an anonymous artist and it's currently at the Met. It's a pencil drawing of some kind of architectural detail. It almost feels like a blueprint, but also an artistic rendering? How would you interpret this work? Curator: It’s interesting to consider this drawing in the context of 19th-century artistic training and architectural revival movements. These meticulously measured drawings were a staple of academic art, serving both as a practical tool for building and as an exercise in mastering classical forms. The emphasis on accurate proportions and detailing suggests a society deeply invested in architectural traditions and projecting stability and permanence. Where do you see evidence of that classical influence here? Editor: Well, the geometric precision and the clear emphasis on symmetry definitely suggest that. It's also evident in the subject matter itself: the classical architectural element. I'm struck by how technical yet also freehand it is; both artistic and practical. It’s almost as though the hand of the architect is being shown alongside the precise architectural design. Curator: Precisely. Think about the societal role of architecture at the time. Imposing civic buildings, grand private residences – these were visible markers of wealth and power. Disseminating standardized drawings like this served the purpose of normalizing classical architectural principles for widespread consumption. In this respect, it democratizes and elevates. So do you consider this ‘art’ with a capital ‘A’ at all? Editor: Hmm, that’s a great question! I think, by preserving an architectural design like this and bringing it into a museum, the design itself transcends its functionality and is seen for its beauty and intricacy, for its visual and cultural relevance. Curator: Yes! So the context and intention ultimately determine the reception. Thank you; it has given me a great perspective as well.