The Best of Painted Furniture

Examines the history of the painted furniture of countries including France, England, Spain, Sweden, and the United States

The art of lacquering was introduced to France from the Orient in the late 17th century. By the 18th century, native-made, richly colored and detailed painted furniture was "the rage of French society"as exemplified by pieces treated with opulent vernis Martin, a green varnish enhanced by gold dust. In a work that will be most valuable to art historians, interior designers and collectors, de Dampierre, who owns a New York gallery specializing in painted furniture, also traces the ascendancy of this decorative art form in Italy, Spain, Portugal, England, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark and America, exploring the influence of politics on art. The 18th and 19th century pieces of painted furnituremost made of wood, but some of metal and papier-macherange from sophisticated French and Italian examples to simpler, more provincial American and northern European folk-art pieces. Lavishly illustrated with color pictures, the inspiring volume also displays some contemporary rooms that utilize painted pieces and offers some tips on the care of painted furniture.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

While the art of painted furniture can be traced back to the Egyptians, Dampierre details the history beginning with the China trade to Europe in the late 17th century. The French were first in the West to develop a method for glazing and coloring furniture, objects, and paneling. In parallel movements across Europe, craftsmen adapted ideas and techniques. Various chapters discuss these embellishments and treatments from high art elegance to folk art simplicity, and there is a short chapter on the care of painted furniture. Beautifully photographed, this work complements Dean A. Fales, Jr.'s American Painted Furniture 1660-1880, ( LJ 11/1/72). Recommended for all decorative arts collections. Judith Yankielun Lind, Free P.L., Berkeley Heights, N.J.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.