The lofty painted ceilings of Europes palaces and churches rank among the greatest treasures of the Renaissance and Baroque eras. This unique assemblage features brilliant full-color reproductions of some of the finest examples of such art. Drawn from two rare French and German portfolios of the nineteenth century; this unique volume re-creates more than 60 magnificent ceilings from Parisian drawing rooms; German castles; and Italian galleries.Richly depicting scenes from nature and mythology; this collection abounds in chubby cherubs; ethereal goddesses; heroes in full battle armor; and all manner of animals; both legendary and realistic. In addition; a generous assortment of floral ornaments includes rosettes; garlands; and clusters of acanthus and other decorative leaves and vines. Whether used in their entirety or as individual motifs; these designs will add beauty and sophistication to any art or craft project.
#3335468 in eBooks 2013-04-09 2013-04-09File Name: B00A73A2M6
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Only book featuring North American Japanese GardensBy Stan H.I recently added Kendall Brownrsquo;s Quiet Beauty to my growing collection of books on Japanese gardens and have been very happy with the purchase. I have come to expect excellent photography in such books and Quiet Beauty does not disappoint. The accompanying text is also substantial and informative. I was particularly fond of Brownrsquo;s choice to group the gardens into several historical periods beginning with those with roots in the Worldrsquo;s Fairs of the late nineteenth century and running through gardens of more recent vintage where there has been a unification of Japanese tradition with the climate and tastes of North America. I have not seen this perspective offered in other books on this subject and found it to add significantly to my appreciation of the gardens I have visited. For those who might wish to use the book to plan visits; Brown has made an excellent selection in terms of quality and geography. At least 15 of the gardens described have appeared among the top 25 Japanese gardens in North America as rated by the editors of the Journal of Japanese Gardening. Unfortunately one of my favorites; Asticou; in Northeast Harbor; ME; is not covered although this is a minor deficiency in an otherwise fine book. It might be noted that Japanese gardens; more than any others; are sensitive to rigorous upkeep and maintenance especially skilled pruning. Brown alludes to this in several descriptions (e.g. Shofuso whose quality has varied over the years with interest and funding). More recently I found that Tenshinrsquo;en at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts had deteriorated significantly from the condition presented in Brownrsquo;s text. Hopefully the attention that this book generates will lead to more consistent efforts to preserve these valuable national treasures.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Excellent WorkBy Desert RatThis book is another fine compilation by photographer David Cobb and writer/historian Kendall Brown.A very good piece on North American Japanese Gardens.Highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in gardens; Japanese Culture and photography.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. A Real GemBy Barry Starke; FASLA;Landscape ArchitectThis is the most informative book I have ever read regarding the history and development of Japanese Gardens in America. Not only is it scholarly; it is exquisitly photographed and illustrated. It even taught me things I never knew about my own work.