Teeming with tapestries, manuscript illuminations, carpets, and tiles, this far-reaching compendium brings together the two greatest 19th-century catalogues of ornament into one indispensable reference book. Encompassing designs from medieval times through to the 19th century, in styles as diverse as Egyptian, Etruscan, or Middle Eastern, this...

Yet during the twentieth century, ornament was scorned (Adolf Loos famously called it "crime") and its study all but eliminated from art and architecture curricula. What happened - and must we live with the result? Is ornament dead?".

This amazing compilation of decorative motifs from around the world is unparalleled in its range of coverage with examples from early Greek, Roman and Egyptian designs through those of the 19th century. Geographically diverse, the book covers ornamentation from Asia and Africa as well as Europe and the Americas. Originally published in the 19th century in two volumes, this work by Auguste Racinet was an invaluable resource to artists, designers and architects when it was first published and continues to be so today. The period when Racinet's volumes were being published for the first time (1869 through 1887) saw a renewed interest in classicism and the decorative arts and Racinet's work was certainly influential. With 220 colour plates comprising over 1500 decorative motifs derived from illuminated manuscripts, jewellery, tiles, weaponry, wall painting and other sources, the book is not only inspirational, but also serves as both a visual reference of the motifs and an insight into the aesthetics of different cultures and periods. We are pleased to offer this opulent and beautifully colourful title in a combined single volume. A book that every graphic designer, architect, fashion designer or artist must have, it will also appeal to those interested in aesthetics and visual culture.

More than 570 authentic Art Nouveau designs specially selected for artists and designers. Ranging in size from full-page illustrations to borders, headpieces, tailpieces, and initials; all clearly reproduced in black-and-white line. Designs include: florals, landscapes, figures, etc. from artists such as Klimt, Bradley, Auriol, Larcombe, and many more.

Teeming with tapestries, manuscript illuminations, carpets, and tiles, this far-reaching compendium brings together the two greatest 19th-century catalogues of ornament into one indispensable reference book. Encompassing designs from medieval times through to the 19th century in styles as diverse as Egyptian, Etruscan, or Middle Eastern, this...

Classic sourcebook of spectacular design collages, all royalty-free, featuring over 1,500 decorative elements and motifs from major cultures in world history through the 19th century.

This classic sourcebook of decorative motifs contains 100 plates of royalty-free Gothic designs, meticulously reproduced from rare 19th-century engravings. Many are floral and foliate designs rendered from panels, capitals, borders, brackets, friezes, grotesques, and other decorative elements from such architectural landmarks as New College Chapel at Oxford and Rouen Cathedral.

This rare collection, originally published in Germany during the 1860s, presents a wealth of designs from temples and other buildings of ancient Greece and Rome. The seventy-one black-and-white plates include mythological creatures, floral borders, engraved columns and capitals, and many other decorative motifs, all rendered with the delicacy and precision characteristic of classical ornament. A valuable source of royalty-free illustrations, this compilation abounds in images that will provide a touch of authenticity to any graphic project related to ancient Greece or Rome. Fine art aficionados, crafters and designers, and collectors of classical art will rejoice in this inexpensive volume and its hard-to-find artwork.