A reprint of the original 1985 edition with updated photographsThirty- three essays from scholarly contributors on the evolution of collecting, and how this lead to the formation of the modern museumOne of the first books to explore how collectors live with their objects, a subject which has become increasingly studied and popularThe Ashmolean Museum is proud to make this important volume containing the fascinating story of the modern museum's beginnings available again. This ground-breaking book traces the story of collecting, which is the story of curiosity about objects and the world, by focusing on the nobility and specialists who laid the important groundwork for the current concept of museums. The first edition in 1985 sold out within a few months, the second a year or two later, and the third in 1989. There has been no reprint of the original edition since then. The topics covered by these essays are wide-ranging, and the scholarship is impeccable, enlightening, and full of unknown facts. It represents a broad-sweep of history that will captivate and surprise the expert and the interested reader alike.
An exceptional introduction to European paintings from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century through one of the greatest collections in the world.This richly illustrated and beautifully designed book offers an ideal introduction to European painting from the 13th to the early 20th century. The National Gallery, London, houses one of the finest collections of Western European art in the world. Its extraordinary range includes exceptional paintings from medieval Europe through the early Renaissance and on to Post-Impressionism, including masterpieces by Leonardo, Hans Holbein, Titian, Velazquez, Rembrandt, Turner, Monet, and Van Gogh.
La National Gallery de Londres exhibe pinturas propiedad de la nación británica desde 1824. Entre los puntos focales de la colección se encuentran pinturas de finales de la Edad Media, el Renacimiento italiano y el Barroco holandes, que, como la pintura britanica del siglo XVIII y del siglo XIX, estan representados con obras destacadas en una de las galerias mas importantes del mundo.
Now recognized as one of the world''s greatest treasuries of seminal artistic, literary, musical and historical works, The Morgan Library in New York began in the 1890s as the private collection of the legendary American financier for whom it was named. Morgan was neither a scholar nor a connoisseur, but he acquired works with an intuitive eye, on a vast scale, which is reflected in the quality and scope of the library''s collections. Morgan found inspiration in the European model of a `gentleman''s library'', acquiring medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts, early and rare printed books, fine bindings and old master drawings. While the focus was primarily on Western European materials, Morgan had a great interest in the works of important American authors and historical figures. Following Morgan''s death in 1913, the library passed to his son J. P. Morgan, Jr., who in 1924 established the library as a public institution. This highly illustrated publication presents the most significant examples of the library''s holdings of paintings and art objects, medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, printed books, autograph manuscripts, children''s books and drawings and prints. Seven chapters cover each of the main collecting areas, with key works illustrated in full colour and described with extended captions and commentaries. In addition, each chapter opens with an introductory text assessing the significance of each of the library''s constituent collections within their wider art historical and literary context.
