Plan et Elevation d'une Porte pour une maison de campagne - François Boucher (fils)

An eighteenth-century architectural engraving depicting a formal country house gateway, designed with Neoclassical symmetry and precision.

This architectural print, titled 'Plan et Elevation d'une Porte pour une maison de campagne', originates from the eighteenth-century French tradition of pattern books. The work presents a formal design for a country house gateway, featuring a central arched entrance flanked by smaller, pedimented doorways. The composition is strictly symmetrical, reflecting the orderly principles of Neoclassical design that dominated European architecture during this period.

At the centre of the main arch, a decorative coat of arms sits beneath a crown, providing a focal point for the structure. The use of clean, precise lines and cross-hatching techniques allows for a clear representation of the masonry and architectural elements. The inclusion of a scale bar at the bottom, marked in 'pieds' (feet), indicates that this print was intended as a practical reference for builders, architects, and patrons interested in refined domestic design. The engraving, executed by Pelletier after a design by Boucher fils, demonstrates the high level of technical skill required for architectural documentation in the late eighteenth century.

The print is part of a larger series, indicated by the '47e Cahier' and 'No. 278' notations in the upper corners. These publications were essential for the dissemination of stylistic trends across Europe, allowing provincial builders to replicate the sophisticated aesthetics of Parisian architecture. The restraint in the ornamentation, combined with the balanced proportions of the wall and gate, creates a sense of harmony. This piece offers a glimpse into the methodical approach to design that defined the era, where every element, from the rusticated wall sections to the crowning heraldic device, was carefully considered for its visual and structural impact.