The Irish Compendium Or Rudiments Of Honour Containing The Descent Marriage Issue Titles Posts And Seats Of All The Nobility Of Ireland With Their Arms Crests Supporters Motto S And Parliaments Roles Exactly Engraved On Copper Plates

The Irish Compendium Or Rudiments of Honour Containing the Descent, Marriage, Issue, Titles Posts and Seats of All the Nobility of Ireland with Their Arms Crests Supporters, Motto's and Parliaments Roles Exactly Engraved on Copper-plates

Luxury Arts of the Renaissance

Today we associate the Renaissance with painting, sculpture, and architecture—the “major” arts. Yet contemporaries often held the “minor” arts—gem-studded goldwork, richly embellished armor, splendid tapestries and embroideries, music, and ephemeral multi-media spectacles—in much higher esteem. Isabella d’Este, Marchesa of Mantua, was typical of the Italian nobility: she bequeathed to her children precious stone vases mounted in gold, engraved gems, ivories, and antique bronzes and marbles; her favorite ladies-in-waiting, by contrast, received mere paintings. Renaissance patrons and observers extolled finely wrought luxury artifacts for their exquisite craftsmanship and the symbolic capital of their components; paintings and sculptures in modest materials, although discussed by some literati, were of lesser consequence. This book endeavors to return to the mainstream material long marginalized as a result of historical and ideological biases of the intervening centuries. The author analyzes how luxury arts went from being lofty markers of ascendancy and discernment in the Renaissance to being dismissed as “decorative” or “minor” arts—extravagant trinkets of the rich unworthy of the status of Art. Then, by re-examining the objects themselves and their uses in their day, she shows how sumptuous creations constructed the world and taste of Renaissance women and men.

The Curiosities of Heraldry

In "The Curiosities of Heraldry," Mark Antony Lower presents a meticulous exploration of heraldic traditions and their societal implications. This work is characterized by its scholarly rigor and rich illustrative content, revealing how heraldry serves not only as a visual language but also as a key to understanding cultural identity and social hierarchy in different eras. Lower's detailed scrutiny reveals the intricate symbolism embedded in coats of arms and their historical evolution, contextualizing heraldry within the larger tapestry of British history and social customs. Mark Antony Lower, a distinguished antiquary and historian of the 19th century, was driven by an intense curiosity about the past and its artifacts. His background, steeped in the study of antiquities and genealogy, provided him with a unique lens through which to analyze heraldry. Lower's passion for uncovering the stories behind symbols and his growing dismay at the potential loss of this tradition fueled his desire to compile this comprehensive examination, ensuring that such knowledge would not be forgotten. For readers interested in heraldry, history, or cultural studies, "The Curiosities of Heraldry" is an indispensable resource. Lower's engaging prose, combined with his keen eye for detail, invites readers to unravel the mysteries of heraldic symbols while appreciating their enduring significance. This work will intrigue both scholars and casual readers alike, making it a vital addition to any library.