Cartier 1899-1949: The Journey of a Style [Hardcover]

Nuno Vassallo E Silva (Author), Maria Fernanda Passo Leite (Author), Judy Rudoe (Contributor), Come Remy (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 2007

The glory of classic Cartier jewelry is exhibited through fifty years worth of designs shown in this exhibition catalog. It shows how surprising the First Cartiers were, in two clear ways: first, art nouveau elements are almost totally absent. Instead there is a singular reinterpretation of the neoclassical vocabulary: floral motifs, acanthus scrolls, and garlands or drops. Care for detail in these architectural motifs–often in three dimensions–is paramount. At the same time, Cartier introduced the use of platinum for the mounts. This metal was more solid and more luminous but also harder to work. It required a revolution in setting techniques as well as new tools and underlying techniques. Layer by layer, these foundation designs raised Cartier to the position of visionary and pioneer.Specialists, collectors, fans of Cartier objects, and those who love decorative arts will discover a surprising new view of Cartier in this major catalog.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Nuno Vassallo e Silva is deputy-director of the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon. Maria Fernanda Passos Leite is chief curator for the Textile and René Lalique Collections at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. Judy Rudoe, an associate at The British Museum is a historian of the decorative arts and the author of several articles, books, and catalogs on decorative arts. Come Remy is a specialist in 20th-century decorative arts, and an expert on behalf of sales committees and insurance companies.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Skira; 1. Ed edition (September 25, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 886130026X
• ISBN-13: 978-8861300262
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 0.8 x 10.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,339,695 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good research, October 9, 2007

By 

Pedro Fernandes (Lisboa, Portugal) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cartier 1899-1949: The Journey of a Style (Hardcover)

The book is well researched but the range is limited to a period of Cartier. Focusing not only on the great historic pieces but also on the small ones, it makes for interesting reading for anyone who appreciate fine workmanship but also the history of jewels. High quality photos.