The Philosophy Of Ornament

The Philosophy of Ornament is a book written by William Gershom Collingwood and originally published in 1883. It consists of eight lectures that explore the history of decorative art, with a focus on the philosophical and aesthetic principles that underlie the creation of ornamental designs. Collingwood examines the origins of ornament in primitive cultures and traces its evolution through ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. He then moves on to the Middle Ages, discussing the role of ornament in Gothic architecture and illuminated manuscripts. The book also delves into the Renaissance and Baroque periods, exploring the emergence of new styles and techniques in decorative art. Collingwood discusses the influence of Eastern art on Western ornamentation, as well as the impact of the Industrial Revolution on the production and consumption of decorative objects. Throughout the lectures, Collingwood emphasizes the importance of ornament as a form of expression and communication, and argues that the study of decorative art is essential for understanding the cultural and historical context in which it was created. Overall, The Philosophy of Ornament is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the history and significance of decorative art, written by a renowned scholar and philosopher.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.