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This and 72 other objects are a part of a set whose first object is Book, Print, Recueil de decorations intérieures comprenant tout ce qui a rapport a l'ornement.

Object Timeline

1920

  • We acquired this object.

2011

2014

2024

Print, Salle éxécuté au Chateau Malmaison (Room Designed for Chateau Malmaison), plate 55, in Recueil de decorations interieures (Collection of Interior Decorations)

This is a Print. It was designed by Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine. It is dated 1801–12 and we acquired it in 1920. Its medium is etching on cream wove paper. It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.

This etching presents a view of the Salle du Conseil (Council chamber) at Château de Malmaison, the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife, Joséphine, from 1799. It is published as plate 55 in Recueil de decorations intérieures (Collection of Interior Decorations) an ornament publication produced by Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine (1762–1853), Napoleon’s chief architect, and his partner, Charles Percier (1764-1838). Percier and Fontaine are credited with disseminating the Empire style during the Napoleonic era, and advising the First Consul on architecture, design, and urban planning. Percier and Fontaine’s etching offers a composite view that fuses the rendering of the military tent themed Council chamber with warlike trophies and fantastical helmet designs. Minerva clade in her armor, interlocking spears, and fasces, (rods carried by ancient Roman lictors as a symbol of justice) reinforcing the military theme. The tented interior and the war-themed decorations are reflections of the Napoleonic military moment. Percier and Fontaine claimed that this particular room was built in ten days, in order not to disrupt Bonaparte’s frequent journeys.

This object was featured in our Object of the Week series in a post titled Designing with in(Tent): Percier, Fontaine, and Empire Style.

This object was donated by Advisory Council. It is credited Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council.

It is signed

Signed in plate, lower left: Par Percier et Fontaine.

It is inscribed

Inscribed in plate, lower right, vertically: Pl. 55.; lower center: Salle éxécuté au Chateau de Malmaison / et détails de Trophés qui la décorent.

Cite this object as

Print, Salle éxécuté au Chateau Malmaison (Room Designed for Chateau Malmaison), plate 55, in Recueil de decorations interieures (Collection of Interior Decorations); Designed by Charles Percier (French, 1764–1838), Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine (French, 1762–1853); France; etching on cream wove paper; Purchased for the Museum by the Advisory Council; 1921-6-377-56

This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18264547/ |title=Print, Salle éxécuté au Chateau Malmaison (Room Designed for Chateau Malmaison), plate 55, in Recueil de decorations interieures (Collection of Interior Decorations) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=22 December 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>