Handbook of Historic Ornament (Dover Pictorial Archive)

About this book

Ernst Rettelbuschs great Stilhandbuch Handbook of Styles was the lifework of a connoisseur and practicing professional in the fields of architecture interior design and furniture design. Intended as an introduction for students and amateurs it contains over 1 200 examples of ornamental and decorative design produced by many cultures over five millennia. This volume is an unabridged republication with new English translations of the Preface and descriptions of the plates of this great classic. Ranging from the time of ancient Egypt to nineteenth- century Germany it documents a wealth of designs from Assyrian Greek Roman Byzantine and other ancient cultures along with material from the European Renaissance Baroque and Rococo periods. Also included are English furniture designs by Chippendale Sheraton and Hepplewhite French Empire designs Nordic motifs Chinese and Japanese material and much more. Beautifully rendered in meticulous detail these plates will serve as a comprehensive historical review for students of decorative design an invaluable treasury of art and design for royalty-free use and a rich source of inspiration for anyone working in the fine or applied arts.