Description
The pictures find their place in a complete survey of domestic—and some more palatial—interiors portrayed in art from the ancient world to the late nineteenth century, and including works by Vermeer, Hogarth, Durer, Degas, and Vuillard. The text goes beyond scholarly commentary to present an evolving picture of men and women in relation to domestic surroundings, full of human interest, wit, and wide-ranging cultural references.
Mario Praz (1896–1982) was Professor of English Language and Literature at the University of Rome. The most celebrated of his many other books is The Romantic Agony.
Reviews
The sweep and quality of [Praz's] mind raises this book far above the level of most others on this well-explored topic.
— New York Post
Illustrated is an understatement; Praz uses 400 pieces of art to present his 1982 history of furniture and decorations from olden days to modern times. An unusual but interesting history of the subject.
— Library Journal
A legend…a richness of literary and cultural detail.
— Vogue
A lush, captivating book, overflowing with sumptuous illustrations.
— Chicago Tribune
A most wondrous treasure trove…The entertaining and scholarly…its interest is almost inexhaustible.
— House & Garden
Delightful yet erudite…perhaps the most charming lesson on interiors ever written.
— Washington Post
The true subject is not interior decoration but ruminations and memories, the visions and fancies, prompted by paintings of interiors.
— New York Review of Books
Contributors
Mario Praz
Author
Mario Praz (1896-1982) was Professor of English Language and Literature at the University of Rome. The most celebrated of his many other books is The Romantic Agony.
