Artwork
Sketch of Interior Design
Sketch of Interior Design is a drawing by the Impressionist artist August Frederick Biehle, Sr.. It dates from 1918 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
’s 1918 drawing titled Sketch of Interior Design is a pen‑and‑ink rendering of a richly appointed parlor.
August Frederick Biehle, Sr.’s 1918 drawing titled Sketch of Interior Design is a pen‑and‑ink rendering of a richly appointed parlor. The composition captures a room with dark blue walls edged in gold and white trim, a patterned rug, a fireplace flanked by two chairs, a small table, and a portrait above the mantel. Tall windows with sheer curtains admit daylight, while a chandelier adds artificial illumination.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing presents an idealized domestic interior, reflecting early‑twentieth‑century tastes for formal entertaining spaces. The inclusion of a portrait of a woman in a red dress suggests a personal or familial narrative, while the arrangement of furniture and decorative elements conveys a sense of order and genteel hospitality.
Technique & Style
Biehle employs delicate line work and subtle shading to convey depth, using variations in pressure to render the interplay of light and shadow on walls, furnishings, and textiles. The muted palette of blues, golds, and whites is achieved through careful hatching, creating a realistic sense of space without the use of color.
History & Provenance
Created in 1918, the drawing entered the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on view. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in documenting American decorative arts and interior design practices of the period.
Artist & collection
Untitled
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