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Empire Splendor: French Taste in the Age of Napoleon
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Product Description
France’s Empire period, guided by the grand visions of the Emperor Napoleon, was one of the most sumptuous and creative epochs in French art, architecture, and decoration.
By 1800, Neoclassical architects Percier and Fontaine had left an indelible mark on the Imperial residences and on the palatial homes of the country’s leading families. The elegant decorative sensibility of this period reflected a nostalgia for the treasures of ancient Rome and Egypt and resulted in the creation of stunning, opulent interiors to match equally regal facades.
Empire Splendor is a gorgeous photographic odyssey through France’s most splendid Neoclassical residences, including extravagant chateaus, beautiful urban palaces, and Napoleon’s official domiciles. Renowned curator Bernard Chevallier leads a detailed, room-by-room tour through the finest Empire antechambers, bedrooms, libraries, salons, and beyond. This is a captivating visual experience for historians, decorators, and art lovers alike.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #283372 in Books
- Published on: 2008-10-01
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Binding: Hardcover
- 224 pages
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
One of the most respected historians of First Empire France, Bernard Chevallier is the chief curator of the Musées Nationaux des Châteaux de Malmaison et Bois-Préau. Marc Walter is a photographer and graphic designer. His recent books include Dream Palaces and Private Splendor.
Customer Reviews
French Taste in the Age of Napoleon
Aspects of the French Empire style are shown in lavish color photos taken expressly for this book. To illustrate how the use of gilded surfaces and mirror gave contrast to early 19th century interiors, the photos do have shadows and shallow depth of field which this reviewer sees as a successful prsentation of the subject. As France was full of still-stylish existing private residences at the time of Napoleon, few new homes (other than apartments) were built. A great example, the still-private Hotel Bourriennne, is featured however.
In addition to HOUSES, other chapters are FURNITURE, DINING ROOMS, TABLEWARE, SALONS, TEXTILES, BEDROOMS, WALLPAPER, BATHROOMS AND DRESSING ROOMS, PAINTED DECORATION, STUDIES AND LIBRARIES, LIGHTING, and GARDENS. Informative captions and descriptive text provide extensive information to supplement the color photos, often full page and sometimes double-page.
This book is highly recommended for all interested in early 19th century French classicism.
amazing!
I have a large collection of design books, but this has by far the most beautfull photos i've seen in an interior design book. Just beautiful! Highly recommended even if you're not into Empire style.
Magnificent
This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read and simultaneously exceptionally informative about the subject matter it covers. For anyone interested in the French Empire style, it is indispensable. For history buffs it is merely fascinating. It is exhaustively detailed and meticulously and stunningly photographed. Go buy it.
