Teeming with tapestries, manuscript illuminations, carpets, and tiles, this far-reaching compendium brings together the two greatest 19th-century catalogues of ornament into one indispensable reference book. Encompassing designs from medieval times through to the 19th century, in styles as diverse as Egyptian, Etruscan, or Middle Eastern, this...
This amazing compilation of decorative motifs from around the world is unparalleled in its range of coverage with examples from early Greek, Roman and Egyptian designs through those of the 19th century. Geographically diverse, the book covers ornamentation from Asia and Africa as well as Europe and the Americas. Originally published in the 19th century in two volumes, this work by Auguste Racinet was an invaluable resource to artists, designers and architects when it was first published and continues to be so today. The period when Racinet's volumes were being published for the first time (1869 through 1887) saw a renewed interest in classicism and the decorative arts and Racinet's work was certainly influential. With 220 colour plates comprising over 1500 decorative motifs derived from illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, tiles, weaponry, wall painting and other sources, the book is not only inspirational, but also serves as both a visual reference of the motifs and an insight into the aesthetics of different cultures and periods. We are pleased to offer this opulent and beautifully colourful title in a combined single volume. A book that every graphic designer, architect, fashion designer or artist must have, it will also appeal to those interested in aesthetics and visual culture.
Yet during the twentieth century, ornament was scorned (Adolf Loos famously called it "crime") and its study all but eliminated from art and architecture curricula. What happened - and must we live with the result? Is ornament dead?".
Classic sourcebook of spectacular design collages, all royalty-free, featuring over 1,500 decorative elements and motifs from major cultures in world history through the 19th century.
Extravagant in concept, exuberant in spirit, elaborate in design, Baroque art and architecture flourished in 17th-century Europe. These engravings by a noted French artist perfectly embody the Baroque sensibility through architectural ornaments, decorative motifs, lush florals and foliates, borders, and other striking design elements. 46 illustrations.
This classic sourcebook of decorative motifs contains 100 plates of royalty-free Gothic designs, meticulously reproduced from rare 19th-century engravings. Many are floral and foliate designs rendered from panels, capitals, borders, brackets, friezes, grotesques, and other decorative elements from such architectural landmarks as New College Chapel at Oxford and Rouen Cathedral.
This compilation of a master engraver's designs presents a versatile array of borders, frames, scrolls, cartouches, arches, corners, and crests, in motifs featuring floral, animal, fantasy, and rococo patterns.