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The collections at Loggia explore select areas of study in art and art history, architecture and design, the decorative arts, industrial design, and classical studies such as Greek, Roman, and Celtic mythology.

Gardner's Art Through the Ages

This book is the classic reference for the study of art. It features a history of artists and their works, as well as lucid and engaging descriptions of the styles and periods of art history. Highly recommended for both students and scholars.

 

 

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Book Review - Chinoiserie

Chinoiserie

By Dawn Jacobson
March 1999
Paperback, 240 pages
Phaidon Press Inc.
ISBN 0714838365




In the book Chinoiserie, author Dawn Jacobson explores the intriguing and exotic influence of this style on Western art and design. At the beginning of the book we learn that the fantasy and romantic appeal of the Far East in general, and China - or Cathay as it was poetically known - in particular were the chief inspirations for the style that would be dubbed chinoiserie. In delightfully named chapters, such as Grandeurs and Treasures: The origins of chinoiserie, Through the Looking-Glass: Nineteenth-century chinoiserie and the spread to the New World, and The Twentieth Century: Chinoiserie's last hurrah, readers are treated to a sumptuous feast of information and images.

The book is organized chronologically, allowing the reader to see how the fashion for all things Oriental has inspired artistic innovation over the centuries. We first learn how the treasures brought back on the now legendary travels of Marco Polo excited the imaginations of Western connoisseurs. Then, we follow the origins of this style in the West, from its influences on the extravagant excesses of the Rococo, to the vogue for Chinese architectural follies, to the splendid adaptations by Nineteenth century masters such as James McNeill Whistler and Edgar Degas. The final chapter of the book describes how chinoiserie continues to thrive in the Twentieth century. Indeed, Eileen Gray and Paul T. Frankl are just two Modern designers who were seduced by the lure of the Far East.

There are also some other compelling features in this book. One is a glossary that lists some of the important terms and techniques used to describe aspects of the chinoiserie style. Some highlights of this section are brief entries about Chinese Chippendale, Coromandel lacquer, gilding, hard-paste porcelain, japonisme, rocaille, and soft-paste porcelain. A section devoted to Places to Visit is also a wonderful addition, as it offers readers some suggestions for the best places to view objects and architecture. Finally, Chinoiserie has a list of recommended books for those of us who want to learn more about this engaging and influential style.

Chinoiserie is available at Amazon.com.



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Gardner's Art Through the Ages

This book is the classic reference for the study of art. It features a history of artists and their works, as well as lucid and engaging descriptions of the styles and periods of art history.



The Art Book

This book is sure to enhance any art lover's library. Color images grace the pages, and every picture is accompanied by a concise description of each featured work and artist.

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