Plafond van de feestzaal in het stadhuis te Nancy before 1896

This is a print reproduction of the “Plafond van de feestzaal in het stadhuis te Nancy.” The original ceiling painting was likely made for the town hall's ballroom in Nancy, France, sometime during the Baroque or Rococo periods. The image shows a classic allegorical scene filled with celestial figures floating amidst clouds. These figures, often representing virtues, ideals, or mythological characters, were meant to inspire and legitimize the authority of those in power, typically wealthy families or state officials. In a time when class distinctions were visibly enforced, such artwork played a crucial role in constructing and maintaining social hierarchies. The sheer grandeur of the ceiling, combined with its symbolic content, would have been overwhelming and awe-inspiring for viewers. Yet what do these images tell the working class individuals who frequented these halls? How might they have felt about such blatant displays of power and privilege? This ceiling then functions as a space of not only celebration but also a canvas for reflecting societal values and power dynamics.