Charles Monblond

**Charles Monblond**, a French painter and designer born in Paris, flourished during the mid- to late nineteenth century, capturing the ornate spirit of Second Empire decorative arts through his meticulous drawings and paintings. Residing at 9 Rue Marignan, he studied under M. Ch. Polisch, honing skills that blended floral still lifes with architectural ornamentation. In 1866, Monblond sought permission to study at the Musées Impériaux, submitting a floral composition that same year, followed by a *Nature morte* in 1869 and another floral piece in 1870—evidencing his dual prowess in painting and design.

Monblond's oeuvre centers on elaborate preparatory drawings for lavish interiors, executed in pen and ink, brush washes, graphite, and occasional watercolors. His designs feature swirling arabesques, lush plant motifs, radiant sunbursts, ethereal clouds with birds, and symbolic trophies—such as *Musical Trophy*, *Harvest Trophy*, and *Devise with Anchor*—intended for ceilings, wall paneling, doorways, chimney pieces, and monograms crowned with regal flourishes. A rare painted work, the oil-on-canvas *Still Life of a Vase of Roses on a Table* (signed and dated 1873), showcases his talent for naturalistic compositions amid everyday elegance. These pieces reflect the opulent aesthetic of Parisian interiors, where fantasy and symmetry intertwined to adorn the bourgeoisie and nobility.

Though biographical details remain sparse beyond his Parisian origins and mentorship, Monblond's legacy endures in major collections, including over twenty works at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, from *Designs for Ceilings with Central Sunburst* to *Design for Wall Panelling*. Auction records highlight his market appeal, with pieces like design collections and the 1873 still life fetching notable sums, underscoring his role in preserving the intricate craft of nineteenth-century French ornamental design. Today, his drawings inspire studies in historicism and revivalism, reminding us of the artists who gilded France's gilded age.