The Opulent Interiors of the Gilded Age: All 203 Photographs from "Artistic Houses," with New Text

by Arnold Lewis, James Turner, Steven McQuillin

Originally published in 1883 to 1884, Artistic Houses comprised more than 200 photographs of the interiors of the homes of the well-to-do, with commentary on the woodwork, wall coverings, color schemes, and other aspects of interior décor. Today, historians consider Artistic Houses the best source of information and illustrations for private houses in major Eastern cities in the early 1880s. Although its authorship is not certain, the text is generally attributed to noted author and art critic George William Sheldon.
This volume retains all of the photographs from the original two-volume work; the text, however, has been replaced with a version specially written for this edition. In addition to an introductory essay on the period's social and esthetic trends, extensive captions for each plate include most of the valuable information from Sheldon's descriptions plus biographical comments on the homeowners and their families, comments on paintings and sculptures, present condition of the houses, and locations.
Over 200 photographs of 97 grand buildings include rare photographs of the New York homes of Hamilton Fish and Ulysses S. Grant; multiple views of the Henry Villard house, now part of the Helmsley Palace Hotel in Manhattan; rooms from William H. Vanderbilt's Fifth Avenue residence; interiors from J. Pierpont Morgan's Madison Avenue home; the Marshall Field house in Chicago, and many others. Here are richly paneled rooms that rivaled the baronial halls of European castles, miniature art galleries, magnificent tapestries, plush draperies, and brilliant chandeliers. With its thorough scholarship and wealth of detail, this impressive survey offers not only inside views of the homes of the rich and powerful families during the Gilded Age but also fascinating insights into the social history and architectural development of the United States.

Genres: Architecture, History, Nonfiction, Reference, Photography, Interior Design

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1987

Reviews

[MaryannC Victorian Dreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was totally awed by these majestic homes that some sadly are no longer in existence. The Gilded age seemed to be an era not only of opulence but also an over abundance of wealth that was on display for all to see. I suppose it is not any different than the mega rich in today's world, but the Gilded age rich were probably just a bit classier in displaying it. Enjoyed seeing the interiors in this book wished the pictures had been in color to see the richness of the fabrics that were used.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

To have a record of Gilded Age architecture and design is, I believe, a very fortunate reference to be available. The Opulent Interiors of the Gilded Age: All 203 Photographs from “Artistic Homes,” with New Text by Arnold Lewis, James Turner, & Steven McQuillan is true eye-opener to design in the 1880s. To be honest it is a bit heavy for my taste, but one must put these photographs (Many of which were printed from the incorrect side of the negative when this ‘magazine’ was originally released in 1883-1884.) in context and the exact time period to be truly appreciated. George Sheldon who wrote the original text concentrated on ‘sources of wealth’, ‘defining an American Elite’, ‘the upper class organize culture, leisure, education, and manners’, ‘the effort to achieve lasting order in American society, ‘accomplishing and overreaching’, ‘collecting objects d’art’, and ‘the paintings in the domestic museum’. This is found in the introduction and provides the reader with a fairly accurate history relating to Artistic Houses. These houses were in NYC & other areas of NY, Newport, RI, Philadelphia, PA, Boston, MA, Chicago, IL, NJ, one in Bar Harbor, ME, and two in Washington, DC-one being The White House. The three categories that refer to the houses today are ‘demolished’, ‘destroyed by fire’, and ‘standing but altered’. For a student of architecture, design, and history, this book is for you! 5 stars.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars because of its content, not only the photos of the Gilded Age house interiors but the insightful commentary about the houses, their furnishings and the individuals who built and lived in those homes.

[Rhiannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some interesting factoids about the owners and style trends, but the pictures were small, and it didn't really talk about how people used the rooms.

[Krystsina Radzevich · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible print.