Design for Ceiling: Gallery of Château de Magnitot (recto); Decorative Design (verso)

Art Historical Context

Step into the lavish interiors of 19th-century with this exquisite double-sided drawing by Jules-Edmond- Lachaise and Eug-Pierre Gourdet. Created the second half of the, the recto presents a detailed design for the ceiling of the Gallery at Château de Magnitot a grand estate that exemplifies the era's passion for ornate domestic architecture. The verso features an additional decorative motif, showcasing the artists' versatility in conceptualizing harmonious, elegant spaces. Rendered in watercolor, gouache, and gilt a generous sheet measuring 19 7/16 x 13 3/8 inches, this preparatory drawing highlights the meticulous techniques of architectural designers. The shimmering gilt accents evoke the opulence of actual ceiling executions, blending fluid washes with precise detailing to simulate frescoes or stucco work. Such designs were essential proposals for commissioning clients, bridging imagination and realization in the opulent Second Empire style favored by French aristocracy. Acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art through the Dodge Fund in 1967, this work offers a window into the collaborative artistry behind Europe's historic châteaux, reminding us of the hidden craftsmanship that adorned their skies.

About the Artist

Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise|Eugène-Pierre Gourdet · 1897–1897

Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise, born Jules Lachaise on September 2, 1836, in Paris, emerged as a prominent French painter and draughtsman specializing in lavish interior decorations during the Second Empire and beyond. Little is known about his early life and formal training, though he married Berthe Gourdet in 1866, forging a close professional partnership with her brother, the decorator Eugène-Pi...