Decorative Floors of Venice [Hardcover]

Tudy Sammartini (Author), Gabriele Crozzoli (Photographer), John Julius Norwich (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2003

The first comprehensive study of the mosaic and tiled floors of Venice.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In his foreword to this book, John Julius Norwich suggests that Venetian floors might have been so exquisitely created "because, in a city built on water, the endless simmering reflections of their churches and palaces constantly attracted their gaze downward." Sammartini, an authority on Venetian history and design, shows how special the Venetian floors are with color photographs of interior and exterior floors, made primarily of mosaic or terrazzo, with a long portion dedicated to St. Mark's Basilica, whose floors are credited with inspiring those in the rest of Venice. An overview of the origins, symbols, and designs begins the book. Purchase for large interior design collections and those interested in Italian decorative arts.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Compiled here is, quite simply, an amazing collection of photographs of Venetian mosaic floors in existence since A.D. 900, beginning with St. Mark's Basilica. There is some explanation devoted to the symbols and colors of these elegantly shaped marbles and stones, but most of the well-researched information is detailed in the few-sentenced captions surrounding each floor layout. We learn that Henry James resided in (and was inspired by) the Palazzo Barbaro and that marble and stone were preferred materials for wealthy Venetian tradesmen, in part to cool down hot summers. And we learn that a famed tesserae workshop still is producing today, as is the "living genius," mosaicist Carlo Scarpo. Glossary and bibliography appended. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Merrell Publishers (January 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1858941083
• ISBN-13: 978-1858941080
• Product Dimensions: 12.6 x 9.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,970,574 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tudy Sammartini, December 5, 2001

By 

Ann McGriffin (Indianapolis, IN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Decorative Floors of Venice (Hardcover)

I have both of Tudy's books; she also wrote The Secret Gardens of
Venice. In October, I had the honor of meeting Tudy (what a colorful and dramatic character!) in Venice and accompanying her on a private garden tour of this magical city. She truly knows the aesthetic history of Venice and it shows in her books.

8 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous!, January 10, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Decorative Floors of Venice (Hardcover)

This is a terrific buy. If you never wanted to go to Venice before - you will now! The photographs are outstanding and the text not too boring. An invaluable reference for artists. Thank heaven someone thought to study these ancient floors before they are lost! Supposedly "there is nothing new under the sun", well, I would consider having one of these designs in a new home, if I could find anyone with the patience to complete one!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Decorative Floors of Venice, September 14, 2011

By 

Dave - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Decorative Floors of Venice (Hardcover)

I tried to order this book new, but I was told they stopped printing them. The book was used, but in remarkable condition. I am very happy with this purchase from Amazon.