Exhibition labels & didactics - National Gallery of Victoria

THE ANTECHAMBER, DINING ROOM,
COUNCIL ROOM AND LIBRARY
AT MALMAISON, 1800–02
Inspired by their experiences in Italy, Percier and Fontaine
designed the antechamber at Malmaison as a recreation of the
atrium from a Roman villa. This mood was continued in the Dining
Room, where black and white marble flooring and stucco walls
decorated with paintings of classical dancers (painted by Louis
Lafitte after designs by Percier) evoked the ancient cities of
Pompeii and Herculaneum that were currently being excavated.
The Council Room was completed in just ten days in July 1800.
Striped twill walls, Roman eagles and weaponry designs here
created the witty visual conceit of an Imperial Roman military
tent relocated indoors. The creation of the Order of the Legion
of Honour was discussed in this striking room, where Napoleon
as First Consul held 169 council meetings in 1801–02.
The Library, a magnificent room paneled richly with mahogany,
featured a vaulted ceiling. This was painted with portraits of
ancient and modern authors, such as Homer and Voltaire, and
medallions depicting figures from classical mythology.
Napoleon was a prolific reader, and this room originally housed
45,000 books.
© COPYRIGHT
This document remains the property of the National Gallery of Victoria and must be returned upon request. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without written authorisation.
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