Reaching its height in France during the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte, "Empire" represents the late development of a neoclassicism that had held sway over Europe since the mid 18th century. Under Napoleon's extraordinary political and aesthetic influence, the style spread throughout the Continent and the United States during the early 19th century and came to embody the glory of the French Empire. Illustrated with a superb collection of paintings, drawings, watercolours, and 150 full-colour photographs of projects in France, Italy, Germany, Great Britain, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and the United States Madelaine Deschamps's gracefully written text discusses Empire interior, decorative arts, architecture, gardens, painting, sculpture, music, literature, and lifestyle within the political and economic context that so strongly influenced the development and popularity of the style. Napoleon's political hegemony may have ended long ago, but the style he fostered has remained of enduring interest among architects and designers.

Photographs by: Fritz Von der Schulenburg