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, dating back to the late 18th or early 19th century, and it contains drawings and prints of architecture, interiors, furniture, and other objects. Percier lived through the French Revolution, the Napoleonic era, and the Bourbon Restoration. These tumultuous events deeply influenced his aesthetic and professional trajectory. As a designer, Percier helped to shape the Empire style, which became a visual language of power and authority for Napoleon’s regime. His designs often evoked a sense of classical grandeur, reminiscent of ancient Rome. The drawings on this page, likely studies for larger projects, offer a glimpse into the artistic process behind this influential style. But beyond their aesthetic appeal, Percier’s designs also tell a story about the social and political context of his time. The Empire style was associated with the aspirations of a rising bourgeoisie, who sought to emulate the lifestyle of the aristocracy. Percier’s work helped to democratize luxury, making it accessible to a wider audience.