Decorative Sunday
This week we present chromolithographs from Specimens of Ornamental Art: Selected from the Best Models of the Classical Epochs by Lewis Gruner with an explanatory text by Emil Braun, published in London by Thomas McLean in 1850. The large folio has 80 plates featuring decorative art examples from different centuries. Some of the examples we are showcasing today include painted details of the church of St. Francesco D’Assisi and Church of St. Andrea in the 13th century; and ceiling details of Church of St. Francesco at Lodi in the 14th century.
The author Lewis Gruner was also known as Ludwig Gruner (1801-1882). He was a German engraver, lithographer, and art historian. He was also the trusted advisor to Prince Albert on art and design, and the Specimens of Ornamental Art is dedicated to the prince.
Emil Braun wrote in the preface:
“Ornamental art must be considered as originally the offspring of High Art, though now, in great measure, detached from its parent stock. It is become altogether a new branch, which has a free and independent sphere for its development, and enters into a not unsuccessful rivalry with sculpture and painting. Yielding to them, without dispute, the honours belonging to the more elevated department of historical composition, it surpasses them in regard to its wider range of influence; and, in proportion to the humility of the position which it assumes, does its own peculiar value become more conspicuous.”
You can browse many digitized images of Specimens of Ornamental Art online through the New York Public Library’s Digital Collections.
View more posts about decorative arts and pattern books.
– Sarah, Special Collections Graduate Intern
