Kate Heard

"In 1699, the German artist and entomologist Maria Sibylla Merian set sail for Suriname, in South America. There she would spend two years studying the animals and plants which she encountered, aiming to explore the life-cycle of insects (then only partially understood). Those studies led to the publication of the Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium (the Metamorphosis of the Insects of Suriname), a luxury volume which brought the wonders of Suriname to Europe."--

Maria Merian's Butterflies

Lucy Whitaker

The Northern Renaissance in Europe was a period of rapid social and religious change.This is reflected in much of the art of the period, which is further characterised by a fascinating range of subject-matter, superb technical skill and an interest in capturing likeness with almost psychological precision.The same period also saw a great rise in the importance of works on paper, especially prints. This book discusses works by Albrecht Dürer and Hans Holbein - two of the greatest masters of the Northern Renaissance - together with a selection of paintings by Lucas Cranach. Encompassing portraiture, religion,mythology and allegory, these works are examined alongside others by such masters as Francois Clouet, Jan Gossaert and Joos van Cleve. Holbein's superlative drawings of members of the court of King HenryVIII can be seen side-by-side with finished paintings and miniatures of the same sitters; and this rich survey also includes illuminated manuscripts and early printed books.

Dürer to Holbein

The Northern Renaissance

Kathryn Jones

George IV was arguably the most magnificent of British monarchs. By the time George ascended to the throne in 1820 after nine years as Prince Regent, he was already well-known for his extravagant lifestyle. Visual display played an important role in his public image, an image that he worked hard to control. Through the spectacular interiors of his houses and palaces, numerous flattering portraits, carefully choreographed state occasions, and his fashion choices, George IV attempted to shape public perception of his person as heir to the throne and as king. George was the collector and commissioner of many of the finest works of art in the Royal Collection. He also turned Buckingham House into a Palace, radically remodeled Windsor Castle inside and out, and built the Royal Pavilion at Brighton, an oriental-style pleasure palace by the sea. In London, his architectural vision extended to the design of Regent Street and Regent's Park. Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, and a period of unprecedented global exploration, this book considers the monarch's public image, taste for the theatrical and exotic, admiration of French style, and all-consuming passion for collecting. George IV: Art & Spectacle is published to accompany a major exhibition at The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, timed to coincide with the bicentenary of George IV's accession to the throne. This volume offers a long-overdue reappraisal of one of the most important figures in the formation of the Royal Collection.

Kate Heard

Books

Your next favorite book is out there