Empire Splendor: French Taste in the Age of Napoleon
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.84 (831 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0865651965 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 224 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2015-02-19 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
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. 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.. 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. 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
About the AuthorOne 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.
Sharon Khoury said Opulent. The pages were full of beautiful furniture and decorating styles. I loved every page. I couldn't wait to get more free time to examine in detail all the creations of so long agoI enjoyed the way this book was presented with full pages of rooms. Another great coffee table book.. "Decent book but not the best" according to Punk. This book does a good job of capturing Napoleonic style, but not great. One drawback is that it focuses almost entirely on Napoleon's residences, which makes this more like tour of a museum rather than a study of style. In my view, it would be deserving of a 5-star rating had it included modern interpretations of the Empire style in addition to the very fine images of the actual period interiors. I have yet to find an Empire book that accomplishes both adequately.. Classicdude said 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.I
His recent books include Dream Palaces and Private Splendor.. 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