To many; Alphonse Maria Mucha (1860ndash;1939) is best known for his beautiful bell eacute;poque posters and magnificent decorative panels. His distinctive graphic approach to the 1895 poster advertising Sarah Bernhardts performance in Gismonda captured the Parisian publics imagination and catapulted the artist into overnight success. During the next ten years he became the high priest of Art Nouveau; publishing several stylebooks which were to have a lasting influence on 20th-century art and design.Figures decoratives; originally published in 1905; is a landmark book of the Art Nouveau movement and perhaps best exemplifies Muchas artistic product in the years 1895ndash;1905; the decade that made him famous. Muchas purity of line and beauty of proportion take their inspiration from nature. But more than natures imitator; he was its interpreter; translating its rhythms and designs into works that exude an indefinable charm. His unique approach combined originality of invention with spontaneous energy supported by flawless draftsmanship.This new edition of Figures decoratives carefully reproduces all forty of the original two-color plates from a rare first edition now valued at several thousand dollars. Comprised of finished pen; pencil; charcoal; and chalk; this volume represents the essence of Muchas genius and documents the subtle shadings and linear excellence that characterized his masterful illustrations. Placed in rectangles; triangles; stars; circles; and a number of irregular geometric forms are figures of women; young girls; and children of both sexes. The harmony between the movement of head; limbs; and drapery and the sense of balance in each pose are the result of Muchas instinct for composition; gift for ornamentation; and profound knowledge of his craft.Muchas hand and eye are clearly evident in all his work though one can see other artistic influences which shaped the artists development; including Gauguins cloissonnism; Hortas and Van de Veldes kinetic treatment of curvilinear design; as well as the linear conventions of Moorish architecture and Islamic ornamentation. Yet Mucha himself believed that he owed his greatest artistic debt to the folk art traditions of his native Moravia.
#1772746 in eBooks 2012-07-17 2012-07-17File Name: B00A73FMT4
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. You Will Love It--It Is Pure JakeBy shrinkucciI was a young drummer; new to Las Vegas; playing with my first lounge act and Jake was playing with the Harry James band. He was not only supportive but talked drums with me by the hour. He later recommended me for the drum chair with the Air Force ldquo;Airmen of Noterdquo; big band (which did not happen). Our friendship spanned over four decades and I experienced firsthand his lively wit; storytelling; humanity and playing. We last hung out at a jazz weekend here in Denver a few years before he died. One of the funniest things he ever said to me occurred after he heard me take a not so well constructed drum solo in the Sahara Hotel lounge at Lake Tahoe. After the set I came down to say hello and waited for his assessment. He said; ldquo;Well Ron; Irsquo;ll say this for your drum solomdash;you hit everything at least twice.rdquo; How could I not laugh at and appreciate his witty; honest; yet tactful feedback. I loved Jake and miss his joyful energy. I just read this book and it is a wonderful tribute to Jakersquo;s spirit and world view. Note: to the reviewer who said it was boring; you missed the bookrsquo;s point. It obviously is not meant to be a serious analysis of his playingmdash;so; lighten up.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Jake was a a terrific drummer and one of the quickest wits Ive ever ...By Steve BladesJake was a a terrific drummer and one of the quickest wits Ive ever been around. I put on a national jazz event for 11 years and whenever Jake played it was a real treat. He was also generous by donating his time to support our Jazz in the Schools programs efforts to bring this classic music to the all students from K-12 whether they played music or not.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Jake Hanna. a beautiful drummer; and a lovely manBy Jimmy TagfordThis semi biographical; semi anecdotal book about the great jazz drummer Jake Hanna has been lovingly written and compiled by Jake`s niece Maria Judge. Not only was Jake`s drumming the heart of any band with which he played; but his wit; humor and wonderfully large personality also had something to do with that gorgeous drive and swing that he was noted for from his days in Woody Herman`s "Swinging New Herd"; through his tenure on the Merv Griffin TV show; the days as virtually the house drummer with Concord records and the years of global travel with the jazz greats ; including vocalists Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby.Many well known drummers and performers have contributed their memories to this book and Maria is to be congratulated on a fantastic effort.All drummers should own a copy of this book; in fact order several copies and distribute them around your friends; or at least get one for your drum teacher!