Treasures of the Habsburgs - Hardcover

Kirchweger, Franz

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0500516804 ISBN 13: 9780500516805

Publisher: Thames and Hudson Ltd, 2013

Synopsis

The House of Habsburg was one of the wealthiest dynasties in Europe, and many of its members were also great collectors and patrons of the arts. Their love of magnificence is reflected in the quality and diversity of the objects in Viennas Kunstkammer, one of the most important collections of decorative arts in the world. This book features around 150 of the masterpieces from the Habsburg collections, ranging from sublime works of sculpture and fine metalwork to exotic objects fashioned from ostrich eggs, nautilus shells, rhinoceros horns and sharks teeth. Alongside the Saliera, Benvenuto Cellinis famous golden salt cellar, and the High Gothic sculpture known as the Krumau Madonna, are extraordinarily delicate works carved from ivory, gorgeous tapestries and mechanical marvels. The emperors, princes and archdukes who shaped these collections wanted not only to create a sense of wonder in all who gazed upon them but also to symbolize their own dominion over the world. Filled with lavish photographs and fascinating insights, this is a worthy tribute to the Habsburgs and their lasting artistic legacy.

About this title

Product Description:

The House of Habsburg was one of the wealthiest and most powerful dynasties in Europe, and many of its members were great patrons and collectors of art. This stunning book, with more than 300 colour photographs, presents about 150 examples of the Kunstkammer - or cabinet of curiosities - where wonders of art, science and nature were brought together, ranging from pieces of sculpture and metalwork to exotic objects fashioned from ostrich eggs, nautilus shells, rhinoceros horns and sharks' teeth.

Review:

A lavish production full of wondrous objects ... this book really does do justice to the work. Highly recommended --Yarns and Fabrics

About this edition

• Publisher: Thames and Hudson Ltd
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0500516804
• ISBN 13: 9780500516805
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 304
• Editor: Haag Sabine