Decorative Floors of Venice - Hardcover

Sammartini, Tudy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1858941083 ISBN 13: 9781858941080

Publisher: Merrell Publishers, 2003

Synopsis

Looks at the origins, symbols, and designs of interior and exterior decorative floors found in Venice, Italy.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

The iridescent mosaics and intricate tiles of the floors of Venice - in palaces, churches, and courtyards - are as much a part of the fluidity and magic of the place as the lapping waters of the canals. Venetian floors constitute a concentrated history of art that passes from the minute detail of ancient mosaics to the broad panels of Renaissance and Baroque compositions. The limitless array of heraldic motifs, birds and flowers, spectacular geometric patterns, and bold combinations of colors forms an exotic carpet, woven from marble and lapis lazuli, that covers the entire city.

Fully illustrated with sumptuous photography throughout, this authoritative account of these decorative floors examines the techniques and materials used - from the external pavements made with white Istrian stone and masegni, blocks of the local gray slate, to the terrazzo alla venezia, sumptuous designs laid down with chips of marble and precious stones. Many of the floors featured here are inaccessible to the general public; this book represents the first opportunity for a wider appraisal of their beauty and significance.

With an extensive glossary of terms used and an exhaustive bibliography, Decorative Floors of Venice spans a broad vista that takes in features as diverse as the floors of St Mark's Basilica and the superb modernist designs of Carlo Scarpa, offering the first comprehensive account of one of the less-well-documented aspects of the city, from the earliest mosaics of the Byzantine and Ravenna schools to those of the present day.

About the Author:

Tudy Sammartini is a well-known authority on the art, architecture, gardens, and history of Venice. She contributes regularly to Architectural Design and Architectural Review, and teaches landscape art at New York University summer schools.

Gabriele Crozzoli is a professional photographer, specializing in landscape and industrial architecture. His work has featured in exhibitions and publications worldwide.

John Julius Norwich is one of the world's foremost experts on the history and culture of Venice. He has served as Chairman of The Venice in Peril Fund since 1970.

About this edition

• Publisher: Merrell Publishers
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1858941083
• ISBN 13: 9781858941080
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 208