This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/21/2024
[ARCHITECTURE - INTERIOR DESIGN]. PERCIER, C. (1764-1838) and FONTAINE, P. F. L. (1762-1853). Recueil de Décorations Intérieures, Comprenant Tout Ce Qui a Rapport a l’Ameublement Comme Vases, Trépieds, Candélabres, Cassolettes, Lustres, Girandoles, Lampes, Chandeliers, Cheminées, Feux, Poêles, Pendules, Tables, Secrétaires, Lits, Canapés, Etc. Paris: Chez Les Auteurs, 1812. Large folio. Illustrated with 72 engraved plates. [i], 43, [1] pp. Approximately 17 ¼ x 11 ¼”. Bound in modern quarter brown calf over marbled boards, spine ruled and tooled in gilt in compartments, five raised bands, burgundy gilt morocco lettering label, modern endleaves (some rubbing to spine and corners, text a bit toned, rubbed, occasional soiling or foxing). Fine. THE RARE SECOND EDITION, ENLARGED AND EXPANDED. The second edition is expanded with an addition of 30 full page engraved plates and with 43 additional text pages [there was no text in the first edition]. An important collection of designs for vases, chandeliers, chimneys, tables, desks, beds, mirrors, screens, etc., in the Empire style by the two architects who were commissioned by Napoleon to furnish his apartments at the Louvre, Malmaison, St. Cloud, the Tuileries, Fontainebleau and Compiagne and elsewhere. The first published work on the French Empire style by Napoleon’s architects and designers (Malmaison, the Louvre, the Tuileries). A key document, the Recueil remains a cornerstone of decorative arts literature. The term “interior decoration” was published here for the first time. A rare clean copy of this key document of the Empire Style written by the two architects who were largely responsible for its creation. Napoleon commissioned Percier and Fontaine to design the interior and supply the furnishings for his apartments at the Louvre, the Tuileries, Malmaison, Fontainebleau, St. Cloud, and Compiegne. They were a talented team of Neo-Classic designers who helped Napoleon redecorate many of his residences and public buildings in the new Empire styles and also provided the designs and models for the French Empire style in furniture and interior decor, as illustrated here. Provenance: Inscribed in an old hand to top margin of title page: Number 310: ‘Royal Porcelain Works Library Worcester’. Berlin Katalog 2733, 4056. Fowler 244. Cicognara 605.