Monday, June 28, 2010

In the Garden

French School
An Allegorical Garden

Gouache on vellum with contemporary frame

Framed size: 23 1/4” x 23 1/8”

France, Seventeenth century


Johann Christoph Volckamer (1644-1720)
Plate 20 from Hesperidum Norimbergensium

First Latin Edition: Nuremberg, 1713

Hand-colored copperplate engraving; 14” x 9”


François Duvillers (1807-1881)
Plate 57 - Plan du Parc Sericicole, Agricole, Gruitier, Potager ... des Proprietes de Mr. Eugene Chaband
From Les Parcs et Jardins
Paris: 1871-78
Hand-colored engraving; 14 ¼" x 21 ¼"


Arader Galleries is pleased to present you our latest catalog, In the Garden, featuring our fine collection of art relating to gardens, including sweeping views of garden estates, garden design diagrams, garden ornament and botanicals. Gardens became very important in Western Europe beginning in the 17th century. The medieval period had seen gardens turn inward with cloisters and private, walled environments. During the Renaissance, a revival in garden design, first reflected in Italian gardens, saw the outdoor environment as more an extension of the home. This Italian style of formal, or Baroque, gardens would dominate European garden design through the early 18th century, with many countries adopting their own styles. The French style of the Baroque garden, or Garden à la française was known for its elaborate, geometric designs, as seen in gardens at Versailles.

The characteristics of a typical Baroque garden include a grandness of scale, rich ornamentation and sweeping vistas. The decoration of the Baroque garden reflected the culture of the time. There was a wide interest in botanicals and natural history, due to the 17th century world explorations, which affected the appearance of gardens. Exotic plants, such as citrus trees, animals, shells and stones imported from all around the world were incorporated into garden design. Fountains, hydraulics and painted perspectives reflected the scientific and technological innovations of the era. Additionally, there was a wide interest in antiquities, and thus classical sculpture became a main element of garden design.

If you have an interest in receiving the In the Garden catalog, please call Arader Galleries at 415.788.5115.

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