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

This scrapbook page, born from the hand of Charles Percier, presents a captivating collection of architectural visions. These aren't mere blueprints; they are symbolic representations of societal order, artistic ambition, and the enduring human desire for beauty and structure. Notice the prevalence of geometric forms, particularly the square and circle. The square, a symbol of stability and earthly grounding, is frequently employed to delineate floor plans, while the circle, embodying perfection and the celestial, appears in the designs of rotundas and theaters. This echoes through history, from the Pantheon's dome to Renaissance city planning, each iteration adapting these forms to new cultural landscapes. These shapes stir within us a deep, almost subconscious recognition. This is the power of symbols – they tap into our collective memory. As you gaze upon this page, consider how these fundamental forms have shaped our world and continue to resonate within our architectural dreams.