PERCIER I - A Project by Charles Percier for the Marquis of Marialva in Lisbon (1818)

Abstract

Recent literature devoted to the architects Percier and Fontaine make no reference to a detailed architectural project commissioned by the Marquis of Marialva, Portugal's ambassador to Paris. This highly sophisticated project illustrates the renovation of the Marquis of Marialva's palace in Belém, on the outskirts of Lisbon, on the banks of the Tagus River, through a luxurious series of architectural drawings. This series of 38 large-format drawings includes elevations, sections, plans, and perspectives that masterfully depict the architecture, gardens, and interiors in minute detail. The most interesting feature of this collection is that the project is signed solely by Charles Percier. This work is an exceptional case in his career, which he spent working closely with Pierre Fontaine, blurring their personal visions of architecture. In this essay, the author will analyze Percier's choices and proposals for the Quinta da Praia, considering the previous history of the estate and its owners, from the late 16th century to the early 19th century. He will also speculate on the historical circumstances that led a highly cultured Portuguese ambassador to recognize Charles Percier's undeniable artistic abilities in design, excluding Pierre Fontaine's participation.