Description

Immediate dispatch from Somerset. Nice older book in good condition. Some light tanning due to age. Plates bright and vivid. Year 1976. Hardcover. English. See images for condition.

About the book >.>.> The Pharaohs of Egypt the treasurers of Greek sanctuaries the rulers of the Renaissance and of modern times-all these have expressed their individualities in their collections. The Medici the Popes the Habsburgs Catherine the Great Napoleon and Lord Elgin are only a few of the great art patrons and historical personalities from or business acumen the great museum collections of today have been largely derived. Dr von Holst who has made a lifetime’s study of this fascinating subject here priceless paintings sculpture and of artistic taste as it has fluctuated wars politics religion social custom and fashion have all largely accounted for the ‘wanderings’ of artistic masterpieces. As Dr von Holst explains collectors have been of all kinds and their motives have varied greatly. There is the dilettante the calculating investor whose pioneering judgment pastime recounts the changing fortunes of other works of art from ancient times until the present day and in doing so gives an absorbing account down the centuries. (OS)