Art and Architecture Collection > The Empire and Regency Styles > FRANCE – The Empire Style

Influential Pattern Books

Contet, F. Intérieurs Directoire et Empire. Paris: Editeur d’Art, 1932. (MLES++)
Early twentieth century watercolor plates of original Empire Style interiors.

Denon, Vivant. Voyages dans la basse et la haute Egypte, pendant les campagnes de Bonaparte. London: S. Bagster, 1809. (Stuart 7095-7096)
Classic study of ancient Egyptian monuments and their decoration compiled during Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt (1797-8). Serves as source book for motifs that spurred the Egyptomania design craze.

Percier, Charles. Recueil de décorations intérieures comprenant tout ce qui a rapport à ameublement comme vases trépieds, candélabras…. Paris: P. Didot l’Ainé, 1812. (MLO++)
This pattern book was developed by Napoleon’s official architects. Percier and Fontaine favored symbolic and ornamental motifs that made their way into the working repertoire of the Empire Style. They also believed that furniture and interiors had a significant interrelationship.