A Coffered Dome with Apollo and Phaeton c. 1787

Felice Giani made this watercolor and graphite rendering of a coffered dome with Apollo and Phaeton around the turn of the 19th century. We see here how artistic vision could shape the construction of social space in Europe at this time. In the centuries prior, the Catholic church had wielded significant influence over artistic patronage. Now, its power was waning and a new class of wealthy aristocrats was emerging. These nouveaux riches sought to display their power and status through the construction of lavish homes, which they adorned with decorations and artwork intended to convey their learning and sophistication. It was during this period that the decorative arts flourished. As an art historian, I would consult pattern books and architectural plans to situate this image within the broader history of design. I would consider how its classical references operate within a social context increasingly defined by secular forms of power.