Customer Reviews

Rene Lalique at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

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

 

 

Being a lifelong fan of Lalique's jewels, I have been hoping for a book on the Gulbenkian Museum's collection. I am not simply interested in photos of the pieces, but appreciate an informed discussion as well. The translating service that was used to translate the text is terrible - I mean, the gist of the discussion is lost because the English is so confusing to read! It is as if you think you are understanding what is being said, but the writing is so convoluted, exhausting to try to read - really! Here is an example:

"Firstly a remarkable working capacity associated to an ever present demanding character which would make the artist become (as previously stated) one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Art Nouveau jewellery master, and later on a successful and acclaimed glass craftsman/industrial glassmaker; and Calouste Gulbenkian, who in addition to being a successful businessman, became also the collector who gathered an extraordinary amount of high quality art works - "only the best is good enough for me" - which are revealing of his own personal taste."
or

"One should note that Lalique, being a remarkable draughtsman, also dominated perfectly the goldsmith techniques he had learnt with his master Louis Aucoc. He also distinguished himself in sculpture, to which contributed the courses he attended at Bernard Pallissy School and later on the support he received from his father-in-law and brother-in-law, sculptors Alphonse Ledru, father and son, who collaborated with Rodin."

If only the author's obvious expertise could have been translated more competently - this book would be an unqualified success, great photos and learned discussion. As it is, those of us who only read English will have to settle for half the loaf. Too bad.

This books is valuable for fans of Lalique's jewelry. Some of the pieces shown aren't available in other books. The book is large and most of the photography is very good. A few shots are somewhat blurry and seem rushed. My first two choices would be, "Imperishable Beauty - Art Nouveau Jewelry", and "Rene Lalique - Exceptional Jewelry". This book was worth it, to see his Medusa paperweight, even though the picture isn't the best shot I've seen.

The item was well packaged and addressed.
Arrived within the specified time.
The quality of the item was the same, if not better, than described.
The book is beautiful!
Also purchased another book from the same seller, at the same time.
Items were posted separately but ? could they have been combined to save postage.
Would, and do, recommend this approach to purchasing.

beautiful images with a simple but informative text. Not boring nor over-the-top. Many pieces never published before.