Decorative Arts: Volume 1: Sculptures, enamels, maiolicas and tapestries

The aim of this first volume is to catalogue the works in the collection, whose decorative aspects are every bit as important as their narrative content.

Aesthetic seduction, superbworkmanship, and historical interest are the three central themes in thecollection of Fondation Gandur pour l'Art (Geneva), created in 2010 andstill expanding. The aim of this first volume is to catalogue the worksin the collection, whose decorative aspects are every bit as importantas their narrative content. The works are for the most part sculptures -statuettes and ornamental reliefs - although two-dimensionaldecorations depicting figurative scenes associated with classicalantiquity or Christianity are no less important.

The periodsrepresented by the sculptural works discussed in this book reflect thescope of the whole collection, which ranges from the 12th to the 18thcentury. And since the goal of the collection is to document centuriesof cultural exchange between France and neighbouring countries, all theworks included in the book come from these latter regions. The hybridstyles are closely linked, and this is an aspect of considerableimportance, as is the originality certain pieces display and, last butnot least, their aesthetic quality.

The book is arranged by topic,which brings out the great originality and extraordinary richness ofthe collection, as well as the extremely varied nature of the subjects,narrative episodes, and figures portrayed. More specifically, the topicsare divided into five sections: ancient gods and heroes; biblical andallegorical figures; scenes from the life of the Virgin; episodes fromthe life of Christ; and saints and intercessors. Each work has its ownentry that describes the historical and geographical context in which itwas made, analyses its iconographic content, and includes abibliography and a list of the exhibitions where the work was exhibited.

Weight: 2068g
Dimension: 257 x 277 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788874399413