Art Deco: The Golden Age of Graphic Art & Illustrations

by Michael Robinson, Rosalind Ormiston

This beautifully illustrated reference book is a celebration of Art Deco expression through graphic art and illustration. With emphasis placed on these remarkable areas, the reader can gain great insight into many of the artists and innovators that helped popularize Art Deco style. Organized into three sections, Art Deco: The Golden Age of Graphic Art and Illustration first explores the significant avenues of the movement as a whole, before turning its attention to the worlds of fashion and advertising. The intrinsic role of fashion in the Art Deco period is examined through a series of works by fashion illustrators and costume designers alike, including works by Erté and Georges Barbier. The shifting attitudes towards fashion are mirrored not only in commercial illustration, but also in portraiture, as socialite women began to pose showing more skin in daringly sleek lines. Moving on to the world of advertising, the final chapter discusses how notable poster designers such as Cassandre and Paul Colin used their talents to harness consumer spending power, directing it towards overseas travel, cabaret performances and other modern luxuries. While the main focus for this intriguing book is centered on graphic art and illustration, numerous examples of other forms of Art Deco are also featured. Nestled amongst the posters and paintings, sculpture, objets d'art and jewelry assert their similarity, whether through line, form or theme. These echoes serve to show the creative fertility of the period as styles and ideas traversed artistic media. Art Deco: The Golden Age of Graphic Art and Illustration is a veritable feast for the eyes and an idealread for those with an interest in Art Deco style.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History, Reference, Architecture, Fashion, Art and Photography

192 pages, Hardcover

First published September 19, 2008

Reviews

[Mark Lisac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not so much a definitive and comprehensive history of art deco as a succinct survey of the highlights of the movement's origins, expressions and most prominent practitioners. Effectively done, though. The other main draw is the scores of beautiful and informative illustrations. Irritatingly, the text often refers to illustrations that appear a few pages earlier or later. But the quality and large size of the art work compensates. Among the interesting points: there were a surprising number of influences from Russia and elsewhere in Eastern Europe.
I reread this every several years and was lucky to have spotted it unaccountably for sale at a clearance price in a chain bookstore.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice history book. The only thing that I didn't enjoy was having to flip back to pictures after the descriptions...I really hate flipping back and forth, especially when the book is an awkward shape.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book, bought as a gift for me by my husband. Full of gorgeous illustrations, photos and explanation. I love it!

[Genevieve C 3 · Rating 5 out of 5]

My fave artist, Erte was in this a lot. It had really good descriptions of the psychology of graphic art and advertising in this era.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 stars for the gorgeous illustrations. 2 stars for the writing which was very bitty.

[GoodMeerHunting · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books main drawing point is the beautifully reproduced pictures. It does also offer an overview of the art deco period as well as profiles of some of the most prominent artists of the period. These artist profiles are categorised into either fashion or advertisement although all the artists are visual artists. The information in the book isn't particularly in depth but that's not really the point of the book. My only gripe was that the author seemed overly generous in his estimation of the general public's tolerance during the early 20th century. Unfortunately I don' think they were quite as tolerant towards homosexuality and race as he implied.

[Selestalis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect coffee table book. Lots of beautiful illustrations and actually has a great story to tell about the Art Deco movement in fashion, art, and also discusses the social implications of the time period. This is one of my absolutely favourite periods of all time; this book elegantly and thoroughly captures many of the reasons why.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely lavish.

[Ferhat Culfaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good coffee table book. Nice introduction to the movement.

[Dwayne Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautiful and inspirational book