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Of Menus and Mythology: Late Nineteenth-Century Print Graphics
"Dover Publications can always be counted on to provide a virtually neverending source of obscure beautiful graphics and arts books. This one is no exception. The designs are beautifully rendered and detailed. " — Nonstop Reader
This early collection of graphic designs by German artist Franz von Stuck (1863–1928) features images intended for menu cards, wine lists, and other food service applications. Although produced for commercial use, the artist's excellent draftsmanship, clean graphic designs, and imaginative use of mythological subjects signal his later development as a leader of the Symbolist movement.
Stuck had just begun to exhibit his paintings during the 1890 publication of this portfolio. The artist was soon to become a founder of the Munich Succession movement, and these graphics exhibit the trained hand of a professional and a foreshadowing of his future work. The images abound in playful cherubs, grinning grotesques, amorous couples in period costume, and other motifs characteristic of the Symbolist preoccupation with eroticism and decadence. Reproduced directly from a rare volume that has been out of print for over a century, 50 plates include line art and employ multiple colors. This new edition offers a splendid combination of traditional academic work with mythic themes and late nineteenth-century graphics that will inspire modern designers, illustrators, and fans of period design work.
This early collection of graphic designs by German artist Franz von Stuck (1863–1928) features images intended for menu cards, wine lists, and other food service applications. Although produced for commercial use, the artist's excellent draftsmanship, clean graphic designs, and imaginative use of mythological subjects signal his later development as a leader of the Symbolist movement.
Stuck had just begun to exhibit his paintings during the 1890 publication of this portfolio. The artist was soon to become a founder of the Munich Succession movement, and these graphics exhibit the trained hand of a professional and a foreshadowing of his future work. The images abound in playful cherubs, grinning grotesques, amorous couples in period costume, and other motifs characteristic of the Symbolist preoccupation with eroticism and decadence. Reproduced directly from a rare volume that has been out of print for over a century, 50 plates include line art and employ multiple colors. This new edition offers a splendid combination of traditional academic work with mythic themes and late nineteenth-century graphics that will inspire modern designers, illustrators, and fans of period design work.
- GenresArt
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1890
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 6, 2017
Dover Publications can always be counted on to provide a virtually neverending source of obscure beautiful graphics and arts books. This one is no exception. I wasn't familiar with Franz von Stuck before reading this book, he was an important artist and teacher in Munich in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His students included Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky.
The book includes 50 early plates which were originally used for commercial purposes such as menus, wine lists, and concert advertisements. The designs are beautifully rendered and detailed. Some of them are also quite humorous (the cherub holding up a giant shoe in absolute raptures of delight made me giggle out loud).
The book also includes a short historical introduction and summary which I found enlightening and interesting.
The world is a richer place because of Dover Publications
Five stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
The book includes 50 early plates which were originally used for commercial purposes such as menus, wine lists, and concert advertisements. The designs are beautifully rendered and detailed. Some of them are also quite humorous (the cherub holding up a giant shoe in absolute raptures of delight made me giggle out loud).
The book also includes a short historical introduction and summary which I found enlightening and interesting.
The world is a richer place because of Dover Publications
Five stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
August 20, 2017
'Of Menus and Mythology: Late Nineteenth Century Print Graphics' by Symbolist master Franz Von Stuck is a collection of 50 plates of art that could be reproduced for menus and wine cards.
In a publisher's note, we learn that Franz Von Stuck was an important figure in the Symbolist movement which featured artistic ideas and works from Baudelaire, Verlaine and others. Two of his students when he taught in Munich were Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky).
The plates that follow include coats of arms, cupids, musical instruments, urns and other items. Almost all of the figures pictured seem like they are in motion, either off balance or with backs arched or in the midst of strumming an instrument. The illustrations are ornate and detailed. I really enjoyed looking through this collection.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Dover Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
In a publisher's note, we learn that Franz Von Stuck was an important figure in the Symbolist movement which featured artistic ideas and works from Baudelaire, Verlaine and others. Two of his students when he taught in Munich were Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky).
The plates that follow include coats of arms, cupids, musical instruments, urns and other items. Almost all of the figures pictured seem like they are in motion, either off balance or with backs arched or in the midst of strumming an instrument. The illustrations are ornate and detailed. I really enjoyed looking through this collection.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Dover Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
April 20, 2018
Interesting to see these less seen plates by a great artist.
Thought this was well put:
"The use of symbolism—identified with themes and motifs of fantasy and dreams, sensuality and eroticism, and, especially, myth and legend—in the arts was a reaction against the rigid formalism prevalent at the time."
Thought this was well put:
"The use of symbolism—identified with themes and motifs of fantasy and dreams, sensuality and eroticism, and, especially, myth and legend—in the arts was a reaction against the rigid formalism prevalent at the time."
August 15, 2017
Leafing through this collection of von Struck's work was the motivation I needed to pick up my own (graphic tablet) pencil again after months. Even if it mostly consists of stock images and advertisement, his precise style and mythological motifs struck a cord with my amateur-artist self. The amount of movement and complicated poses is unbelievable! Further proof that graphic design is another art form. Still, I wish there were annotations added to each page, since - even though I'm a native German-speaker - some images certainly lacked an explanation. The brevity of this read was a bit disappointing, but I'm sure I'll have an inspirational look at it again from time to time.
*I received an ARC via netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an ARC via netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews