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

This scrapbook page with architectural drawings and prints was created by Charles Percier, likely in the late 18th or early 19th century. The drawings are made with ink on paper, a combination that allows for meticulous detail. Percier captured not only the grand scale of buildings and interiors but also the minute details of furniture and decorative objects. The paper itself, now aged and toned, provides a warm backdrop that enhances the precision of the ink lines. Percier was one of the leading architects and designers of the Napoleonic era, deeply involved in shaping the aesthetics of power and luxury. This work reflects a society where artistry and craftsmanship were central to expressing social status and cultural identity. The act of drawing and printing these designs was labour intensive, reflecting the value placed on skilled handiwork. Looking at this page, we can see the importance of materials and processes in understanding the art of design. It reminds us that design is not just about aesthetics, but also about the labour, materials, and social contexts that give it meaning.