This magnificently illustrated volume showcases elegant examples of ironwork designs by five centuries of Italian masters. Spanning the fourteenth through the eighteenth centuries, the collection encompasses both simple and elaborate ornaments for doors, windows, gates, balcony and staircase railings, and other architectural features. A remarkable variety of motifs are depicted--from gracefully executed florals and foliated elements, to exquisite swirls and curls, and striking portrayals of mythical beasts. A dazzling treasury of ornamental ironwork, this archive of royalty-free motifs will delight lovers of antiques, commercial artists, and anyone intrigued by decorative flourishes from the past.

The Grove Encyclopedia of Decorative Arts covers thousands of years of decorative arts production throughout western and non-western culture. With over 1,000 entries, as well as hundreds drawn from the 34-volume Dictionary of Art, this topical collection is a valuable resource for those interested in the history, practice, and mechanics of the decorative arts. Accompanied by almost 100 color and more than 500 black and white illustrations, the 1,290 pages of this title include hundreds of entries on artists and craftsmen, the qualities and historic uses of materials, as well as concise definitions on art forms and style. Explore the works of Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, and the Wiener Wekstatte, or delve into the history of Navajo blankets and wing chairs in thousands of entries on artists, craftsmen, designers, workshops, and decorative art forms.

Over 450 black-and-white photos, royalty-free, show great ironwork from all over Europe — doors, gates, railings, grilles, lanterns, candelabra, firedogs, chandeliers, much more.

Spanning 5 centuries of magnificent ironwork designs by Italian masters, this superb archive encompasses both simple and elaborate ornamentation for doors, windows, gates, balconies, stairs, and other architectural features. A remarkable variety of motifs are depicted — from gracefully executed florals and foliated elements to striking portrayals of mythical beasts. 172 black-and-white illustrations.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1876.