A book on the origins of modern-day objects and concepts of design.

Winters introduces Richard Flagg and Erma Flagg's collection of some hundred objects made during 1450 to 1900. Most of the beautifully crafted, highly decorative, yet functional pieces are examples of Renaissance and Baroque marvels; they include clocks (a particularly varied and sumptuaous collection), sculpture, inlaid boxes, china and glassware, tankards, metalwork, and furniture. Each of the 77 individual chefs-d'oeuvres documented in this catalog, celebrating the gift of the Flaggs to the Milwaukee Art Museum, are exceptional examples of artisty combined with technical achievement. Such is the case with a 15th-century Cassone from Florence replete with intarsia and coat of arms, signaling a marital alliance between the nobility. Another magnificent piece, highlighted through an individual entry in the catalog, is a 15th-century limestone tympanum, possibly from the Burgundy region of France, showing the enthroned Virgin and Child. The physical properties of this volume are as elaborate as the objects it defines; lavish full-page color plates illustrate the pieces, lengthy catalog entries provide detailed information, and the whole is supplemented with appendixes consisting of checklist and glossary. 69 colour & 29 b/w illustrations