Plan et Elévation d’une Alcove dont la traverse est d’un ceintre en S. pour le plan / Plan et Elévation d’une Alcove, dont la porte ouvre en anse de panier sous le Chambranle

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

This print by F. Cornille, active from 1740 to 1756, presents precise plans and elevations of alcoves—recessed architectural niches that added both function and elegance to 18th-century interiors. Created around 1740–55, the work illustrates two designs: one with an S-shaped curve in its supporting traverse and another featuring a door that opens in a graceful basket-handle arch beneath the frame. Such alcoves were popular features in homes of the period, often serving as intimate spaces for beds or seating while allowing for decorative flourishes that enhanced a room’s character. As a print, Cornille’s plate would have functioned as a practical model for architects, builders, and craftsmen, helping to circulate refined design ideas across workshops and regions. Today this piece, acquired for the Smithsonian American Art Museum, offers visitors a window into the meticulous planning behind historical interiors and the vital role of printed images in sharing architectural knowledge.