Twee kroonlijsten 1772 - 1779

Jean Pelletier created these two cornice designs, sometime in the 18th century, with ink on paper. Look closely, and you'll see that these aren't just idle sketches. They are highly specific schematics for architectural elements - the decorative molding where walls meet ceilings. The kind you might find in a grand Parisian residence. The material reality of these cornices would have been plaster or carved wood. This paper records an exchange between architect and artisan. These designs tell us something about the division of labor at the time. The architect conceives, the craftsman executes, and the client consumes. The sharp lines and exact measurements speak to a world increasingly defined by standardization. Yet, the ornamental details also harken back to older traditions of artisanal skill. This piece reminds us that even seemingly functional designs carry cultural and social significance. It’s a great reminder that the materials and making processes are crucial to fully appreciate a work.