Eleven designs for the decoration of interiors

Art Historical Context

In the bustling world of 19th-century French design, *Eleven Designs for the Decoration of Interiors* showcases the collaborative vision of architects Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise and Eugène-Pierre Gourdet. Created between 1830 and 1897, this sheet gathers eleven intricate sketches proposing elegant interior schemes, reflecting the era's fascination with ornate domestic spaces amid France's architectural revival—from neoclassicism to emerging eclectic styles. Such designs would have guided artisans in crafting luxurious homes for the growing bourgeoisie. Rendered in graphite and black chalk on various papers, then mounted on cardboard for preservation and display, the work highlights practical drafting techniques. Graphite offered precise lines for architectural details, while black chalk added subtle shading for depth and texture, making these preparatory drawings both functional blueprints and artistic expressions. At 12¼ × 18¾ inches, the compact format allowed for easy studio reference or client presentations. Acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art through the Dodge Fund in 1967, this piece from the Drawings and Prints department offers a window into the creative process behind opulent interiors, underscoring the vital role of such sketches in bridging art and everyday luxury.

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...