Design for the Decoration of a Ceiling

Charles de la Fosse French

Not on view

La Fosse was one of the most important French decorative painters in the generation following Charles Le Brun (French, 1619–1690). He created ceilings and paintings for churches, palaces, and many royal residences, including the Palace of Versailles. His training included an unusually long three-year stint in Venice, which influenced his warm painterly style. This freely worked study for a ceiling has not been connected with a specific commission; it may have been either unexecuted or created for a building which has since been destroyed. The roughly sketched central field suggests airborne mythological figures, perhaps representing the apotheosis of a female deity.

Design for the Decoration of a Ceiling, Charles de la Fosse (French, Paris 1636–1716 Paris), Red and black chalk, pen and brown ink

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Design for the Decoration of a Ceiling, Charles de la Fosse (French, Paris 1636–1716 Paris), Red and black chalk, pen and brown ink
Design for the Decoration of a Ceiling, Charles de la Fosse (French, Paris 1636–1716 Paris), Red and black chalk, pen and brown ink
Design for the Decoration of a Ceiling, Charles de la Fosse (French, Paris 1636–1716 Paris), Red and black chalk, pen and brown ink

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