Title to Scrapbook containing Drawings and Several Prints of Architecture, Interiors, Furniture and Other Objects 1795 - 1805

Charles Percier created this scrapbook of architectural designs and interior objects, printed on paper, during a transformative period in French history. Percier lived through the French Revolution, the rise and fall of Napoleon, and the subsequent restoration of the monarchy. The neo-classical style, which Percier helped popularize, became associated with both imperial ambition and a longing for the perceived order of the ancient world. Consider how this scrapbook reflects the identity of France during this era: caught between revolutionary fervor and a desire for stability. Interior design at this time was not simply about aesthetics; it was deeply intertwined with social and political ideologies. The carefully rendered drawings of furniture, interiors, and architectural elements speak to the aspirations of a society seeking to redefine itself. As you look through these pages, imagine how the elite of the time used these designs to cultivate their own identities, signaling wealth, taste, and political affiliation through their choice of décor. This scrapbook isn't just about design, it's about power, identity, and the cultural narratives that shaped a nation.