Design for One Eighth of a Ceiling of a Reception Room at the Royal Palace at Moncalieri 1774 - 1778

This is Leonardo Marini's "Design for One Eighth of a Ceiling of a Reception Room at the Royal Palace at Moncalieri", made with graphite on paper. The drawing offers us a glimpse into the labor-intensive process of creating opulent interiors for royalty. The meticulous graphite lines map out the intricate details of the reception room's ceiling, emphasizing the skill and precision required in its design. The drawing gives equal attention to the cherubic figures, floral garlands, and ornate scrollwork, highlighting the aesthetic and cultural values that were embedded in the built environment. Considering that this is only one eighth of the design, we can imagine the amount of planning and time spent in its production. It reveals the complex relationship between art, craft, and labor, inviting us to think about the social context in which such objects were created, and questioning the boundaries between fine art and craft.