Architectural Diplomacy
Architectural Diplomacy

Author: Gil R. Smith

Publisher: MIT Press (MA)

Published: 1993

Total Pages: 388

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In 1676-77 a single event revitalized the traditions of Roman design. That event, the union of the French Royal Academy and the Academy of Saint Luke in Rome, is given new significance in the present study. It has long been thought that the academies' fusion signaled the passing of artistic preeminence from Rome to France. Here, however, the author proposes a more complex interpretation. By demonstrating that Rome continued, in fact, to be the more innovative and influential of the two academies, Gil Smith is able to discern patterns of influence that cross geographical and temporal boundaries, and to portray late-Baroque architecture in international terms. For this Compelling portrait of a transitional period of European architectural trends, Professor Smith draws on the student competitions inaugurated at the Saint Luke Academy to commemorate its ties with the French academies. Far more important than mere "academic" work, these competition drawings reveal the nature of instruction in Rome, the influences of the academy's officers and patrons, and the nature of contemporary projects similar in program to the competitions. The design synthesis pursued in Rome until the end of the seventeenth century, particularly by Carlo Fontana, would become an important source of inspiration for prominent architects of the next century. Among others, the academy's design methodology influenced Fischer von Erlach, Filippo Juvarra, and Giles Oppenord in their search for a progressive Baroque language.

Between Constantinople and Rome
Between Constantinople and Rome

Author: Kathleen Maxwell

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2016-12-05

Total Pages: 294

ISBN-13: 1351955845

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This is a study of the artistic and political context that led to the production of a truly exceptional Byzantine illustrated manuscript. Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale de France, codex grec 54 is one of the most ambitious and complex manuscripts produced during the Byzantine era. This thirteenth-century Greek and Latin Gospel book features full-page evangelist portraits, an extensive narrative cycle, and unique polychromatic texts. However, it has never been the subject of a comprehensive study and the circumstances of its commission are unknown. In this book Kathleen Maxwell addresses the following questions: what circumstances led to the creation of Paris 54? Who commissioned it and for what purpose? How was a deluxe manuscript such as this produced? Why was it left unfinished? How does it relate to other Byzantine illustrated Gospel books? Paris 54's innovations are a testament to the extraordinary circumstances of its commission. Maxwell's multi-disciplinary approach includes codicological and paleographical evidence together with New Testament textual criticism, artistic and historical analysis. She concludes that Paris 54 was never intended to copy any other manuscript. Rather, it was designed to eclipse its contemporaries and to physically embody a new relationship between Constantinople and the Latin West, as envisioned by its patron. Analysis of Paris 54's texts and miniature cycle indicates that it was created at the behest of a Byzantine emperor as a gift to a pope, in conjunction with imperial efforts to unify the Latin and Orthodox churches. As such, Paris 54 is a unique witness to early Palaeologan attempts to achieve church union with Rome.

The Caesar of Paris
The Caesar of Paris

Author: Susan Jaques

Publisher: Pegasus Books

Published: 2018-12-04

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781681778693

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A monumental cultural history of Napoleon Bonaparte’s fascination with antiquity and how it shaped Paris’ artistic landscape. Napoleon is one of history’s most fascinating figures. But his complex relationship with Rome—both with antiquity and his contemporary conflicts with the Pope and Holy See—have undergone little examination. In The Caesar of Paris, Susan Jaques reveals how Napoleon’s dueling fascination and rivalry informed his effort to turn Paris into “the new Rome”— Europe’s cultural capital—through architectural and artistic commissions around the city. His initiatives and his aggressive pursuit of antiquities and classical treasures from Italy gave Paris much of the classical beauty we know and adore today. Napoleon had a tradition of appropriating from past military greats to legitimize his regime—Alexander the Great during his invasion of Egypt, Charlemagne during his coronation as emperor, even Frederick the Great when he occupied Berlin. But it was ancient Rome and the Caesars that held the most artistic and political influence and would remain his lodestars. Whether it was the Arc de Triopmhe, the Venus de Medici in the Louvre, or the gorgeous works of Antonio Canova, Susan Jaques brings Napoleon to life as never before.

KeeKee's Big Adventures in London, England
KeeKee's Big Adventures in London, England

Author: Shannon Jones

Publisher:

Published: 2019

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9780999066195

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"Travel lovers buckle up and get ready to explore in KeeKee's Big Adventures in London, the 5th picture book in the award-winning KeeKee's Big Adventures series. Join KeeKee, the globe-trotting calico kitty, on her latest brilliant adventures in London. Along with her friend Willamb Sheepspeare, she'll whisk readers through the majesty of England's capital city—from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace to a proper English tea. (Pass the scones, please!) Explorers big and small will have a jolly good time trying out fun British expressions, peeking into royal culture, and navigating London's beautiful streets on a double-decker bus. In the back of this brightly illustrated book, you'll find a kid-friendly guide map of London, a glossary of British terms, and more details on KeeKee's favorite places. It's the perfect getaway for kids and families who love travel, adventure and exploring the world around them. Keep your eyes peeled for KeeKee's colorful hot air balloon."--

The Conquest of Rome
The Conquest of Rome

Author: Matilde Serao

Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand

Published: 2020-08-14

Total Pages: 201

ISBN-13: 3752429763

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Reproduction of the original: The Conquest of Rome by Matilde Serao

The Good, the Bad and the Dolce Vita
The Good, the Bad and the Dolce Vita

Author: Mickey Knox

Publisher: Nation Books

Published: 2004-03-25

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 9781560255758

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Born and raised in Brooklyn with a street fighter's instinct and sharp Jewish wit, Mickey Knox leaves the army for the bright lights of Hollywood. But when the rise of McCarthyism puts an abrupt end to his hopes of working in American films, Knox debarks to France and Italy to work in European cinema. It turns out to be the best move of his life. This book—where every major film actor and writer of the last century appears—is a wonderful, gossipy history of European cinema as seen through the observant eye of Knox. From arguing with John Wayne, teaching Anna Magnani to articulate English, to fending off Zsa Zsa Gabor's advances and getting lost in Italy with a hungry Orson Welles, Knox was in the midst of it all, watching with a dry smile and a witty comeback. Of the colorful cast of characters who have passed through his life—Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Ava Gardner, Anthony Quinn, Henry Fonda, Burt Reynolds, Sam Fuller, Elvis Presley, Gore Vidal—one lasting friendship runs throughout the text. That friend—Norman Mailer—writes a preface to "a rare warrior of that rarely heroic world of stage and screen." Black-and-white photographs are included.