Ceiling Design 1633 - 1703

Matías Arteaga y Alfaro created this "Ceiling Design" drawing using pen and brown ink, with brown wash, over graphite. The drawing immediately evokes an emotional response due to the interplay between the rigid architectural forms and the soft, organic shapes of the figures, all rendered in warm tones. The composition is structured around a series of interlocking geometric shapes, each delineated with meticulous precision. Yet, within these strict confines, Arteaga introduces a counterpoint through the inclusion of figures and decorative elements, disrupting the rigidity and introducing a sense of dynamism. Notice how the artist uses a semiotic system of visual components, such as shells and cherubs, to denote themes of purity, love, and divinity. Through this tension between order and dynamism, Arteaga invites us to consider how architectural designs not only define space but also engage with broader artistic and philosophical concerns. The drawing serves as a reminder that art is a site of ongoing interpretation.