Page from a Scrapbook containing Drawings and Several Prints of Architecture, Interiors, Furniture and Other Objects 1795 - 1805

This is a page from a scrapbook by Charles Percier, created sometime before his death in 1838, containing drawings and prints of architecture, interiors, furniture, and other objects. Percier was working during a time of political and social upheaval in France, including the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era. These events greatly influenced artistic styles, moving towards Neoclassicism and Empire styles which revived classical forms and motifs, often associated with power and order. Look closely, and you’ll notice the figures in the scrapbook, often depicted in classical poses, and how they reflect the era's interest in ancient Greece and Rome. These figures and architectural elements reinforced a hierarchy of value, where classical ideals were seen as superior. Percier’s scrapbook then becomes a fascinating lens through which we can examine the cultural values and aesthetic preferences of his time. Consider how this page invites us to reflect on the ways in which art and design intersect with broader historical narratives. It prompts questions about the role of the artist in shaping societal tastes and perpetuating cultural ideals.