L' apothéose du génie: les expositions universelles, leurs artistes et leur esprit = the great exhibitions, their artists and their spirit

Abstract

Taking its title from a magnificent centerpiece, which the Milanese goldsmith Eugenio Bellosio created for the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle, L'APOTHÉOSE DU GÉNIE celebrates the inventiveness and skills of 19th century artists and craftsmen. The historic context of the Great Exhibitions is illuminated in a number of essays, which are succeeded by a lavishly illustrated catalogue including works of some of the foremost artist-cabinetmakers, gold- and silversmiths, émailleurs, bronziers, and jewelers of the 19th century. -- From back cover.

Contents

Preface / François Joseph Graf -- Foreword : Dream and revival / Olivier Gabet -- Essays -- Introduction : Historicism, or the purpose of styles / Hans Ottomeyer -- The 1889 World Exhibition in Paris : Johann Karl Bossard Luzern as receiver of the gold medal in 'Class 24, Goldsmithing Art' / Christian Hörack & Hanspeter Lanz -- Crowds gather round the cabinet-work of a Fourdinois, a Roux, or a Grohé, a Jackson and Graham, a Crace, or a Wright and Mansfield / Christopher Payne -- World Exhibitions and museums / Petra Krutisch -- 'Toughest battle' - Kaiser Wilhelm II and German arts and crafts at the World Exhibitions in Paris and St. Louis / Jörg Meiner -- Catalogue -- Artists, craftsmen and manufactories