Art Books

 Art Books - Various Timeframes/Materials

These Art books cover a variety of topics & art using a variety of materials. (Metals, Wood, Cloth, Tiling, Stone, ...)  Some of these books cover how a piece was made, examples of period artists notebooks, etc. 

Several of these books are in German or French language. I've found that taking a picture of the page with my tablet or phone while in Google Translate helped me to read the bits I needed help with.

Check out this sheet for the list with prices. I'm open to "offers" for bundles of books. If you'd like a picture of a specific book in the library, please just let me know.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1a-vbLTtPSgw1eNIvRmwpHUylavL7vtyxuJkDtjjCsRI/edit?usp=sharing

Ornament & Jewelry from Eastern Europe Archaeological Finds

Klement Benda. Ornament & Jewelry: Archaeological Finds from Eastern Europe, Artia, 1967. 

"Ornament & Jewelry: Archaeological Finds from Eastern Europe" is a detailed exploration of ancient and historical jewelry discovered in Eastern Europe through archaeological excavations. The book examines a wide range of ornamental artifacts from various periods, shedding light on the craftsmanship, materials, and cultural significance of jewelry in this region, which spans multiple civilizations and empires.

The book surveys the rich history of jewelry-making and ornamentation in Eastern Europe, presenting key archaeological finds from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, through to the Middle Ages. These finds provide insight into the cultural practices, trade routes, and artistic traditions of the societies that inhabited the region, including the Thracians, Scythians, Dacians, Slavs, and various nomadic tribes. This book includes details on Prehistoric, Bronze and Iron Age, Nomadic, and Medieval Jewelry. There are descriptions on the Roman and Byzantine influence as well as cultural and trade connections. This book also covers cultural identity and ornamentation, technical innovation in metalworking, religion and ritual significance, and cross-cultural influences. 

This book is a valuable resource for understanding the rich history of jewelry-making in the region. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of ornamentation across various cultures and time periods, highlighting the artistry and craftsmanship involved in these ancient pieces. Through the lens of these archaeological finds, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of jewelry in Eastern Europe. This work is ideal for historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts of ancient art and jewelry, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s complex and diverse heritage.

This large format book is Good Condition. The Dust cover wear and small tears.  The book weighs in at 1 lb. The dimensions are approximately 9.5 x 12.5 in. ASIN B0007KAP7Q.

I'm asking $30.

History of Jewelry

Guido Gregorietti. Jewelry through the Ages, American Heritage Press, 1969.

"Jewelry Through the Ages" by Guido Gregorietti is a comprehensive exploration of the history and evolution of jewelry from ancient civilizations to the modern era. The book covers the cultural, artistic, and social significance of jewelry across various periods and regions, offering insights into how styles, techniques, and materials have changed over time.

Gregorietti traces the development of jewelry as a form of personal adornment, status symbol, and artistic expression throughout history. The book is structured chronologically, detailing the craftsmanship and meaning behind different jewelry styles, materials, and designs. Ancient Civilizations, Roman and Byzantine Eras, Middle Ages, and Renaissance and Baroque eras are all covered in this book. 

This is a large, lavishly illustrated book is in good condition. The Dust cover has some shelf wear. We pasted a book plate on the first sheet, but it is otherwise in fine condition. The dimensions are approximately 8.5x11.5x1.25 in. 9780828100076.

I'm asking $32. 

Mosaics of Roman Africa

Blanchard-Lemée, Michèle, et al. Mosaics of Roman Africa: Floor Mosaics from Tunisia. British Museum Press, 1996.

Mosaics of Roman Africa: Floor Mosaics from Tunisia is a comprehensive study of the intricate mosaic art that thrived in Roman Tunisia between the 2nd and 6th centuries AD. Authored by Michèle Blanchard-Lemée and a team of experts, the book features over 300 color illustrations, capturing the stunning beauty and complexity of these floor mosaics. Crafted from marble and limestone, these mosaics adorned the grand villas of Roman elites, showcasing mythological scenes, depictions of everyday life, and geometric patterns that reflect the opulence and culture of Roman Africa.

The book delves into the thematic content of these mosaics, focusing on pagan deities, mythological spectacles, and motifs of time, both eternal and cyclical. Despite the rise of Christianity in the region, the mosaics remain deeply rooted in Greco-Roman traditions, with subjects such as the asarotos oikos (unswept floor) motif, which creates a trompe l’oeil effect of food scraps scattered across the floor. One notable example is from the House of Salonin at Oudna, where this technique is vividly portrayed. These mosaics offer a unique visual insight into the social and cultural dynamics of the Roman-African elite.

In addition to the rich artistic content, the book also explores the social significance of these mosaics, emphasizing their role as symbols of wealth and power. Through detailed commentary and historical context, Mosaics of Roman Africa reveals how these artworks reflect the complex ethnic and social hierarchies of Roman North Africa. This volume is an essential reference for art historians, archaeologists, and scholars of Roman civilization, offering both a visual and scholarly analysis of these remarkable works.

This is an large coffee table book with many beautiful color photos. It's 13"tall x 11¾"wide x 1¼"thick. The book is in very good condition with the original dust jacket, which has a small tear in one of the binding corners of the dust jacket. ISBN: 9780714122151 / 0714122157.

I'm asking $150.

This is the text from the dust jacket flap: