Design for half Ceiling in stucco 1700 - 1780

This design for a stucco half-ceiling, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was carefully rendered in pen and ink and gray wash by an anonymous artist. Stucco work involves mixing lime, sand and water to create a versatile plaster. Here, the drawing showcases the inherent plasticity and textural potential of the material through elaborate baroque curves, ornate volutes, and figural elements. Executing such designs in three dimensions required skilled artisans, deeply familiar with the medium's properties and behavior. Consider the labor involved in each stage, from quarrying the raw materials to the physical exertion of mixing and applying the plaster overhead. The design anticipates the handwork of craftspeople responsible for bringing such architectural elements to life. Recognizing the connection between drawings like these and the world of labor and material transformation broadens our understanding of their value, reminding us that art and craft are inextricably linked.