Arts in the '20s: Architecture and Decorative Arts in Europe

Arts in the '20s includes a dazzling array of European artwork from the early twentieth century. Originally published in Italy in 1930 with the title Le arti d’oggi, this book has since become extremely rare. This new edition, following the format of the original, has over 800 images organized in six sections: architecture; interiors and furniture; metal and jewelry; ceramics; glass; lace, embroidery, textiles, printed paper and leather.

Included are the most alluring buildings, gardens, pavilions, interiors, and furniture as well as an array of exquisite objects, glassware, tea sets, wrought iron gates, vases, tableware, lace, bookbindings--designed and produced by artists of the 1920s. Among the architects and artists whose work is included are: Edgar Brandt, Josef Hoffmann, Le Corbusier, Gio Ponti, Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann, and Eliel Saarinen. Also included are offerings from noted firms such as Baccarat, Cartier, Daum, Moser and Royal Copenhagen. Works by lesser known artists help to illustrate the stylistic features and movements of the period. The introductory text by Roberto Papini, a well-known art critic at the time, envisages a utopian town called "Universa" where all his futuristic ideas become reality. The captions that accompany the illustrations are weighted with Papini’s personal views, and shed light on the preoccupations of the time. This treasury of wonderful images will be prized by bibliophiles, collectors, and connoisseurs in a broad range of artistic disciplines.