Object Image

Design for a painted ceiling

In the middle of the center rectangle is a circular medallion with Napoleonic N; the coats of arms of the emperor and of the King of Italy are shown laterally. Laurels are in each corner of the interior square; depictions of men battling centaurs between the laurels. Outside edge around center rectangle are identical depictions of Victory presenting a figure to a winged male nude. Each scene is separated by armor. The plaques behind each figure refer to specific victories of the Napoeonic army. The conquered armies are noted on the plaques. The center rectangle and the scenes on the lower left are completed with color.

Credit: Gift of Eleanor Garnier Hewitt...

c. 1810
Pen and black ink, brush and watercolor, graphite on white laid paper
1903-12-48
Image and text © Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2020

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