Customer Reviews

French Interiors: The Art of Elegance

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Others apparently do not consider the photo selection in this book to be lacking, but I was disappointed in this regard. I believe that a large, expensive photography book titled FRENCH INTERIORS should consist primarily of photos of interior spaces.

The photos in this book are primarily confined shots of furniture groupings and close-ups of housewares including glassware, stemware, china, tassels, food, flowers, fabrics, vases, etc. Many are extreme close-ups of fragmentary views of these items. More than 50 other pictures are outdoor scenes. There are virtually no full-room photographs and only a relatively few full-wall views. The one double-page spread in the book shows a sofa instead of an interior panorama. Ms. Vervisioti-Missoffe's choice of an easy-to-use medium-format SLR rather than the customary large-format view camera may have limited her ability to produce the more difficult and demanding location spreads.

Stylistically, the interiors are basically traditional. If traditional is your cup of tea you will probably enjoy this book as there are some nice photos of individual objects and assorted vignettes.

I received this book as a gift from a close friend. On seeing the cover and title, I was very excited. The rest of this book disappoints, and on many levels.

The most pervasive problem is the quality of photographs and selection of subject matter. There are numerous full-page outdoor shots of trees, branches, leaves, and flowers. The photographs are beautiful and would be right at home in a High School photography contest. Maybe I'm missing something, but I can't see how these photographs relate to a book entitled "French Interiors."

Of the interior shots, too many show multiple close up views of a contrived vignette, such as china in a place setting, tassels on an ottoman or drape, light filtering through a blind, an orchid in bloom, and on and on. You can see comparable photographs for free in the ads of any upscale shelter magazine. (Just look for ads for china, fabric, upholstered furniture, or window coverings.)

The interior photographs are very poorly lit - lots of rooms with what appear to be beautiful lamps and chandeliers. Since most of the lamps are turned off however, you really don't know what you are looking at.

Last, the style of the interiors is almost exclusively Napoleon III (second half, 19th century). In case the reader is not aware, there are a few other classic French styles which are not represented in this book. And for those who admire Napoleon III style, if you have not already done so, go immediately to the Louvre and tour "les appartements Napoleon III." You'll see the actual diplomatic reception rooms with original furnishings that were used in the administration of Napoleon III. I think you'll find it more genuine than a 21st century photographic fantasy about 19th century style.

In summary, my conclusion is that this book is a quick, cheap, and contrived effort to capitalize on the craze for so-called French style. If this book is even offered for sale in France, my prediction is that it hasn't sold very well.

Too many enlarged pictures and not enough actual decorating of rooms. Would have like more specific decor instead of just enlarged photo shots i.e., pg. 245. Alot of filler shots. Need more bang for the buck.

Nothing that could be displayed on the Internet could have prepared me for the stunning detail, photography and sheer size of this beautiful book! It will take some time to read it from cover to cover but, if you're looking for a stunning gift for a friend or loved one who has a passion for French interiors, then look no further. Outstanding value and an ideal coffee table book.

After The French Chateau and The Private Houses of Paris, Chistiane de Nicolay-Mazery brings us once again to an universe that is familiar to her - that of France's most beautiful and lavished appointed houses. Mrs. de Mazery being linked to the French Royal Family by the means of her grand-mother (A Princess of Orleans-Bragance), spent her entire life in a world of a privileged few, like the Chateau de Courrances which is showed brilliantly in the book. Of interest also, is the private world of Yves de St.Laurent represented by two of his residences and the renassaince chateau of Hubert de Givenchy that curiously pays a tribute to Diego Giacometti. Not to mention the exquisite Leves house of Madeleine Castaing the doyenne of french decorators, all painted in turquoise blue.The text also contains great excerpts of Proust's Remembrance of Things Past that described so well this high-style of life. One should know that Proust was not part of this privileged world but the author, Mrs. De Mazery was born into it.

Bravo, Christiane De Nicolay-Mazery! My background is in interior design and art history and I have had a new home under construction for 5 years with approx. another year to go. I hope that I make it with a breath of sanity after the construction is complete. The exterior is cut limestome, the interiors have plaster walls. The wood flooring, the windows and the doors are from craftsman who do historical renovation at the chateau de Versailles, chateau de Fontainebleau and other well known chateaux to name a few. There is concrete beneath most of the interior walls, beneath all exterior walls as well as beneath all flooring. Needless to say, we've put a lot into the project.

Christiane De Nicolay-Mazery's books have always been the first books that I pull off my shelf when looking for inspiration regarding historically beautiful interiors that appear to be truly lived in. Of course, there are always some changes to interiors throughout time as a reflection of the owner, just as art, clothing, etc. is a reflection of our culture and beliefs during a period. The interiors that Christiane De Nicolay-Mazery opens up to the reader have always maintained a deep respect for their history which is of great delight. Thank you, again!