Book Description

In 18th-century France, the neoclassicism of the Louis XVI style reflected a definite reaction against over-elaborate rococo and baroque designs; and with Napoleon's assumption of power late in the century, there came a deliberate artistic attempt to re-create the aura of Imperial Rome to give a sense of legitimacy and permanence to the new "empire." This French neoclassicism was soon reflected in many stylebooks published in England during the period. The present volume comprises a selection of 43 plates from one of these extremely rare British collections. It provides artists and illustrators with a host of elegant, royalty-free fine line illustrations depicting cherubs astride lions, gods and goddesses at play, figures draped in classical robes, cartouches, busts, and a wealth of other designs, all ready to add a touch of timeless classical elegance to a wide variety of print projects as well as numerous art and craft activities.