Antique Zuber Allegories Des Arts wallpaper panels — Allegories Des Arts, installed at 740 Park Ave

Historical Background

A set of historical French wallpaper panels, "Allegories Des Arts," created circa 1800, are attributed to Jacquemart & Bénard, based on designs by Charles Percier and Pierre Fontaine. These renowned French architects and interior designers were instrumental in shaping the neoclassical Empire style, also known as the Directoire style, during the Napoleonic era. Percier and Fontaine, often referred to as "Napoleon's architects," held significant influence over the decorative arts and architecture of early 19th century France. “Allegories Des Arts” is most likely the only wallpaper décor they created.

Historic installation of Percier & Fontaine decors in Lake Forest home — The Lasker dining room, from Townsfolk magazine, 1930

The panels were installed in the 1920’s by famous interior designer Frances Elkins and her brother David Adler, architect, for Mr. and Mrs. Albert D. Lasker at their residence in Lake Forest, Illinois.

David Adler, known as "the architect to Chicago high society," gained prominence in the 1920s and 1930s, designing over 200 commissioned projects, including numerous country estates.

Historic Lasker Lake Forest home — The Lasker home. Photo from David Boyd.

Frances Elkins, considered one of the 20th century's most prominent decorators, collaborated with her brother on approximately 15 large houses. She was known for her innovative approach, blending antiques with modern pieces and incorporating elements from her European travels. Albert D. Lasker, one of the pioneers of modern advertising, and his wife were among the affluent clients who sought out the siblings' expertise. Frances Elkins likely acquired the wallpaper panels during one of her buying trips to France.

The Allegories Des Arts

Close-up detail of neoclassical decorative wallpaper elements

Percier and Fontaine created this wood-blocked wallpaper called Allegories Des Arts. Originally produced in 1802, this is the most extant version of the paper in the world. Prior to the advent of panoramic wallpapers, all of the wallpapers were called “decors.” They were based on the discovery of Pompei and looked like Pompeiian paintings. These wood-block print panels depict medallions enclosing six allegories of the arts - Peinture (painting), Gravure (engraving), Sculpture, Architecture, Musique (music), and Agriculture, within neoclassical columns and architectural elements adorned with winged figures, birds, lions and cherubs.

The Allegories

Antique Zuber Allegories Des Arts wallpaper panels - Painting — Peinture (painting)

Antique Zuber Allegories Des Arts wallpaper panels - Sculpture — Sculpture

Antique Zuber Allegories Des Arts wallpaper panels - Agriculture — Agriculture

Antique Zuber Allegories Des Arts wallpaper panels - Architecture — Architecture

Antique Zuber Allegories Des Arts wallpaper panels - Music — Musique (music)

Antique Zuber Allegories Des Arts wallpaper panels - Engraving — Gravure (engraving)

Removal and Preservation

In 1995, the owners of the Lasker House contacted Scenic Wallpaper to remove and preserve the wallpaper, as the new homeowners intended to discard it. We carefully removed, packaged, and restored the wallpaper, and later reinstalled it in an apartment at 740 Park Avenue in Manhattan. The installation consisted of more than 125 individual pieces—including columns, friezes, and dado panels—essentially reconstructing an entire room setting.

Historic installation of Percier & Fontaine decors in Lake Forest home, photographed for Vogue — The Lasker dining room photographed by Peter Nyholm for Vogue, 1942

Exhibition and Legacy

Once the apartment at 740 Park Avenue was sold in 2022, we removed the paper for preservation once again, and it was exhibited recently at the Winter Antiques Show.