Plan for a Decorated Ceiling

Plan for a Decorated Ceiling

Pierre Varin

1750

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This drawing shows a ceiling plan with a grid of black shapes and white spaces. The design includes small circles, arches, and decorative panels around the edges. Some sections have detailed patterns, like swirls and small figures, while others are plain black voids. The layout looks like a puzzle, with rooms or sections connected by narrow passages. It’s drawn with careful lines and shading, almost like a blueprint for a fancy room. Next, check out the technique: cross-hatching to see how artists build shadows with lines.

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