Partial design for a ceiling decorated with a trompe l'oeil balustrade 1830 - 1897

Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise made this partial design for a ceiling with graphite on paper. The drawing presents us with the art of illusion, or ‘trompe l’oeil’, which, in the context of interior design, plays with perceptions of space and depth. Made in France, a country renowned for its opulent interiors, this design likely reflects the tastes of the upper classes of the early 20th century. The architectural details and floral arrangements suggest a desire to bring the outdoors inside, a common theme in decorative arts. The design itself speaks to the broader institutional history of art and design, where academic training in drawing and perspective were highly valued. By studying similar designs and the social contexts in which they were commissioned, we can better understand the values and aspirations of the society that produced them. The social life of art resides in such historical investigations.