Description
Book Synopsis: From the winner of the Booker Prize: A ravishing book that opens a window into the lives, designs, and passions of Mariano Fortuny and William Morris, two remarkable artists who themselves are passions of the writer A. S. Byatt. Born a generation apart in the mid-1800s, Fortuny and Morris were seeming opposites: Fortuny a Spanish aristocrat thrilled by the sun-baked cultures of Crete and Knossos; Morris a member of the British bourgeoisie, enthralled by Nordic myths. Through their revolutionary inventions and textiles, both men inspired a new variety of art that is as striking today as when it was first conceived. In this elegant meditation, Byatt traces their genius right to the source.
Fortuny’s Palazzo Pesaro Orfei in Venice is a warren of dark spaces imbued with the rich hues of Asia. In his attic workshop, Fortuny created intricate designs from glowing silks and velvets; in the palazzo he found “happiness in a glittering cavern” alongside the French model who became his wife and collaborator, including on the famous “Delphos” dress—a flowing, pleated gown that evoked the era of classical Greece.
Morris’s Red House outside London, with its Gothic turrets and secret gardens, helped inspire his stunning floral and geometric patterns; it likewise represented a coming together of life and art. But it was a “sweet simple old place” called Kelmscott Manor in the countryside that he loved best—even when it became the setting for his wife’s love affair with the artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
Generously illustrated with the artists’ beautiful designs—pomegranates and acanthus, peacock and vine—among other aspects of their worlds, this marvel-filled book brings the visions and ideas of Fortuny and Morris to vivid life.
Details
Step into a world of artistic brilliance with "Peacock & Vine: On William Morris and Mariano Fortuny." This enchanting book, written by the acclaimed author A. S. Byatt, unveils the captivating lives and captivating designs of two extraordinary artists that have left an indelible mark on the art world. With search engine optimization (SEO) in mind, we invite you to explore the magnificent world of Mariano Fortuny and William Morris.
Delve into the lives of Mariano Fortuny and William Morris, two visionaries born in different eras, yet united in their pursuit of artistic excellence. Fortuny, captivated by the rich and fascinating cultures of Crete and Knossos, constructed the majestic Palazzo Pesaro Orfei in Venice. Explore the intricate designs meticulously crafted from exquisite silks and velvets in his attic workshop, and witness the allure of his masterpiece, the famed "Delphos" dress, inspired by the ancient world of classical Greece.
On the other side of the artistic spectrum, William Morris, a member of the British bourgeoisie, drew inspiration from Nordic myths and the natural beauty found in his Red House outside London. Every flower and geometric pattern he created was infused with a blend of nostalgia and profound artistry. From secret gardens to gothic turrets, Morris's creations breathe life into every corner they adorn.
Transport yourself to the opulent palazzos, atmospheric workshops, and serene countryside settings that fueled the imaginations of Fortuny and Morris. "Peacock & Vine" pairs Byatt's eloquent prose with stunning visual representations of the artists' works, including their iconic designs of pomegranates, acanthus, peacocks, and vines. Let the vivid illustrations and insightful commentary transport you to a world where artistry and passion intertwine.
Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the brilliance and ingenuity of Mariano Fortuny and William Morris. Experience their genius firsthand and uncover the secrets behind their groundbreaking designs. Take a journey into the captivating pages of "Peacock & Vine: On William Morris and Mariano Fortuny" and indulge in a realm where art knows no boundaries.
Discover the mesmerizing world of Fortuny and Morris. Grab your copy of "Peacock & Vine" now!
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