The Land of the Winged Horsemen: Art in Poland 1572-1764.

380 Seiten / p., 150 Abb. Sehr guter Zustand / very good condition - In the golden years of the baroque era, Poland expressed creative ties to East and West in extraordinary works of fine and decorative art. This gorgeously illustrated book displays more than 150 pieces that celebrate the cross-cultural richness of Poland's creative output during this period. From the dramatic uniform of the winged hussar complete with feathered wings and leopard skin to traditional portraits of royalty to a Turkish-style beverage service, these splendid objects represent Poland's diversity and breadth at a time when it was the largest land empire in Europe, stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea. -- The book addresses five areas of Polish culture in the sixteenth through eighteenth centuries. The first section on the monarchy features works of art relating to the kings who ruled during the period, including superb portraits, a crown, a scepter, an orb, and a throne. The second section of the book is devoted to the magnate class and the objects that were typically seen in a nobleman's home. The third part presents religious artworks, highlighted by an important seventeenth-century painting of Our Lady of Czestochowa, and baroque funerary decorations. The section on the military, focusing on the cavalry, offers highly decorated battle regalia, weapons, a Turkish tent accompanied by horse trappings, and a magnificently embroidered saddle. With gilded cups, clocks, decanters, Meissen figurines of Polish noblemen and noblewomen, and more, the decorative arts section of the book provides outstanding examples of the cross-cultural tenor of the era. The volume includes essays by eminent scholars who set the art of Poland in the context of its history, geography, and culture; a timeline of major events; a map of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth; a glossary; a useful bibliography; and an index of exhibited works. ISBN 9780300079180