Design for Dining Room Ceiling, Hôtel de Behague 1870

Curator: This is a drawing by Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise, entitled "Design for Dining Room Ceiling, Hôtel de Behague," created in 1870. It resides here with us at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: It strikes me as intensely controlled, almost claustrophobic. So much careful delineation within these rigidly defined borders! A fascinating tension exists between the organic, flowing ornamentation and the strict geometry holding it all in place. Curator: Indeed. It reflects the Neoclassical movement's penchant for order and reason, while also demonstrating decorative artistic sensibilities of that time. Think of the Beaux-Arts style influence in interior design! The "B" in the center shield most likely signified the family crest for whom the space was intended. Notice the use of classical motifs: stylized acanthus leaves and palmettes. They invoke the enduring legacy and historical connotations tied to these symbols that families sought to reflect themselves through such ornamentation. Editor: Semiotically, the geometric shapes represent an architectural system meant to give both structure and meaning; one can discern cultural and social implications even in color and textural contrasts: hard vs. soft; cool vs. warm; sharp vs. muted; dark vs. light, and so on. Do you notice any possible visual discord that stands out to you in color choice here? I have been staring and that cerulean calls my attention more now. Curator: An interesting read, in that case—because the azure tones could represent fidelity, and by inference trustworthiness—a quality a host or hostesses, for the building residents and guests. We see the repeating scrollwork is an appeal to heritage and historical roots. There's certainly much for the eye, and the mind, to unpack. Editor: Agreed. Each calculated choice, both the formal elements, and those embedded symbols, communicates complex cultural meaning. Thanks for sharing your insights on "Design for Dining Room Ceiling, Hotel de Behague" with me today. Curator: And thank you—I leave having gained another viewpoint as well.