Description

Curatorial Narrative Andr-Charles Boulle’s “Designs for cornices or entablatures” exists within the late 19th-century revival of classical ideals, wherein historical precedent was reevaluated through the lens of rigorous academicism. The artist’s technical facility with linear brushwork serves as a manifestation of this pedagogical zeal, imbuing the illustrations with an air of authority and precision. Through the use of monochromatic black and white, Boulle effectively isolates his subject matter from ambient distractions, allowing the classical architectural motifs to assume a heightened level of significance. When enlarged to approximately 44×60 inches, “Designs for cornices or entablatures” reveals itself to be a masterful exercise in spatial control. The chromatic structure, comprised solely of black and white, assumes an almost sculptural quality, with subtle variations in tone and value providing a nuanced sense of depth an