Eight designs for a ceiling 1850 - 1900

These eight designs for a ceiling, dating from no specific time, are attributed to Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise and rendered in graphite and watercolor. Note how Lachaise incorporates the bat motif, a creature often associated with darkness, yet, in some cultures, symbolizing good luck and protection. Its presence here reminds me of similar symbolic juxtapositions in ancient Roman art. The bat, like the owl, is a creature of the night, of the underworld, a symbol transcending time, reappearing in various guises. Think of its evolution: from a guardian in antiquity to a harbinger of doom in the medieval imagination. Such transformation speaks to the powerful sway of cultural memory, shaping our perception and emotional response to these symbols. This piece isn't merely decorative; it's a testament to the enduring power of symbols, constantly evolving and engaging us on a subconscious level, echoing through time.