How to Read European Decorative Arts

This book explores decorative arts from British writing tables to Russian snuffboxes, spanning three centuries of European artistry and ingenuity. It features 40 exemplary objects, including furniture, tableware, utilitarian items, personal adornment, devotional objects, and display pieces, and discusses the contributions of renowned masters and amateurs. The works selected include masterpieces and less familiar examples, some previously unpublished, and are discussed in light of their art-historical importance and social issues.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2023
Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Spanning three centuries of artistic brilliance, from the High Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution, this captivating volume in The Met's renowned How to Read series delves into the world of decorative arts, offering a comprehensive exploration of the diverse creations of European artisans. From the elegant writing tables of British society to the intricate Russian snuffboxes, this comprehensive publication takes readers on a journey across Europe, showcasing the lives and lifestyles of people from various countries.

Featuring a selection of 40 remarkable objects, this publication showcases a wide range of artistic expressions, including furniture, tableware, utilitarian items, personal adornments, devotional objects, and display pieces. These objects, chosen for their exceptional quality and historical significance, provide a window into the lives of both the modest and the fabulously wealthy members of European society.

The book delves into the contributions of renowned masters, such as the Dutch cabinetmaker Jan van Mekeren and the Italian goldsmith Andrea Boucheron, as well as talented amateurs, including the anonymous young Englishwoman who embroidered an enchanting chest with scenes from the Story of Esther. The works selected for this publication encompass both masterpieces and lesser-known examples, some of which have been previously unpublished. These objects are not only discussed in terms of their art-historical importance but also in relation to the social issues of their time, such as the impact of colonial slavery or the changing status of women artists.

Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and distributed by Yale University Press, this volume offers a rich and insightful perspective on the world of decorative arts, providing a valuable resource for art enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of European creativity.

Weight: 770g
Dimension: 207 x 269 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781588397515