Artistic Luxury: Faberge, Tiffany, Lalique [Hardcover]

Stephen Harrison (Author), Emmanuel Ducamp (Author), Jeannine Falino (Author), Christie Mayer Lefkowith (Contributor), Pilar Velez (Contributor), Catherine Walworth (Contributor), Wilfried Zeisler (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 25, 2008

Fabergé, Tiffany, Lalique—these great designers came together only once to display their goods in what was probably the most opulent exhibition ever mounted. At the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, the three strove to position themselves ahead of their many competitors in the luxury market, each presenting his jewelry and home adornments as high art. Their success is explored in this splendidly illustrated catalogue, which elucidates the prewar pinnacle of European culture.

 

The array of displayed objects was mesmerizing: Tiffany glass, Easter eggs to dazzle the Czars, realistic insects created in precious materials as sinister decorations. Many of these bore influences of the advanced art of the time, such as Art Nouveau, Viennese modernism, and symbolism, and of styles from around the world.

 

Four essays discuss the works in the context of their times, illuminate the high societies served by the three masters, and trace the cultural trends behind their extraordinary creations. A treasure of accompanying photographs shows the individual exhibits, scenes from the World's Fair, and the glitterati who wore the jewelry. 

(20081201)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Four informative essays give first a general picture of luxury in the Belle Epoque, and then place the designers in the social and cultural milieus of the three cities in which they thrived, Moscow, New York, and Paris."—Linda Rosenkrantz, creators.com

(Linda Rosenkrantz creators.com 20090731)

“If ‘luscious’ is a word that can be used to describe a book, then this book is luscious.”—Antiques & Collectibles for Pleasure & Profit

(Antiques & Collectibles for Pleasure & Profit )

About the Author

Stephen Harrison is curator of decorative arts at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Emmanuel Ducamp has written and lectured widely on Russian and French decorative arts. Jeannine Falino is an independent curator, formerly the Carolyn and Peter Lynch Curator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 372 pages
• Publisher: Yale University Press; First Edition edition (November 25, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0300142242
• ISBN-13: 978-0300142242
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.8 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #508,050 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderous display of decorative art, July 30, 2009

By 

Ivor E. Zetler (Sydney Australia) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Artistic Luxury: Faberge, Tiffany, Lalique (Hardcover)

While money might not necessarily buy happiness, it undoubtedly can lead to pleasure. One can but envy those with the funds to possess some of the fantastic objects displayed in this splendid book. A vast array of decorative art is on view; items such as glassware, jewelry, furniture,lamps,silverware and imperial eggs. Definitely a gorgeous display of artistic luxury!

Apart from the many photographs, the text of this volume is unusually interesting. There are a number of articles detailing the history of Faberge, Tiffany and Lalique. There is also coverage of other topics such as modernism, financial royalty, the French crown jewels, theatre and noted contemporary designers.

The photographic and printing quality are excellent and this reasonably priced book is sure to give ongoing pleasure. If you cannot have the real thing, good reproductions are somewhat of a consolation!

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exquisite book, February 13, 2009

By 

A. B. Gann - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Artistic Luxury: Faberge, Tiffany, Lalique (Hardcover)

I was fortunate enough to go to the Cleveland Museum of Art's exhibit of these amazing pieces. Owning the book is like visiting it again and again. It is so thorough and with so much information, I go through it almost every day.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good resource and reference book..., January 9, 2010

By 

miles "s" (New York City, NY United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Artistic Luxury: Faberge, Tiffany, Lalique (Hardcover)

...which is, unfortunately, a little light on the pictures and photos in general. You do get to see some exceptional pieces and good photography to be sure, however, I would have preferred at least 30-40 more images, instead of the interminably long text.

A single picture unveils a lot more than words ever could, no matter how beautifully and eloquently they are written. Then again, it is still a great book to add to your collection.