DOI issue:
Recenzje / Reviews
DOI article:Gołyźniak, Paweł: [Rezension von: Diana Scarisbrick, Claudia Wagner, John Boardman, The Guy Ladrière collection of gems and rings]
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.43282#0270
RECENZJE / REVIEWS
270
DIANA SCARISBRICK, CLAUDIA WAGNER, JOHN BOARDMAN
The Guy Ladriere Collection of Gems and Rings. London-New York:
Philip Wilson Publishers 2016, 301 pages, 480 illustrations (colour);
ISBN: 978-1781300398
There are only a few Contemporary collectors of engraved gems, and the Parisian
art dealer and collector Guy Ladriere Stands out as one of the most influential
Personalities in this area. His amazing collection of antique and modern rings,
cameos, intaglios, and little works in the round consists of nearly three hundred
pieces and is definitely one of the largest and best assemblages. We warmly welcomed
the news that this particular cabinet would be published, not only because it includes
rare and important works of art, but most importantly because the owner decided to
share his treasure with the public - a noble gesture that will hopefully inspire other
private owners to follow suit. The three co-authors - Diana Scarisbrick, Claudia
Wagner, and Sir John Boardman - are well-respected authorities in the fields of
ancient and modern rings, engraved gems, and the history of collecting, among
others. They have all madę an immense contributionto the study of glyptic art. There
is not enough space here to list even just their major publications, but it must be
said at once that the authors here provide the reader - whether he is a specialist on
gems, a connoisseur, or a collector of ancient art - with another exceptional volume
presented in a most handsome way.
The book opens with a brief but highly informative introduction by Diana
Scarisbrick. In the best possible way, she has captured in words Guy Ladriere’s
passion for engraved gemstones. She teils the story of ho w this Parisian dealer of Old
Master paintings and sculpture became fascinated with intaglios and cameos during
his research on medieval rings at the Louvre. There, he came across a signet with
an ancient ruby intaglio, which was the initial spark that burst quickly into a desire
to attain knowledge about glyptic art. Monsieur Ladriere initially educated himself
at the Cabinet des Medailles in Paris and then by way of visits to major museums
across Europę. It is fascinating to see what his educational process consisted in. Once
he acquired sufficient knowledge, he started to collect the art he so highly esteems.
His impressive collection, presented on charts in the catalogue under discussion,
includes a variety of objects ranging from little works in precious Stones in the round,
to cameos and intaglios, and to engraved finger rings. It covers glyptic material from
antiquity down to the 19* Century. As a result, reading this book is indeed not only
a feast for the eyes but also a highly educational experience. One is served with an
array of subjects, including important portrait studies from all the periods, so even
if one has no previous experience with this art form one quickly becomes inspired
to reach for other publications dealing with gems.
270
DIANA SCARISBRICK, CLAUDIA WAGNER, JOHN BOARDMAN
The Guy Ladriere Collection of Gems and Rings. London-New York:
Philip Wilson Publishers 2016, 301 pages, 480 illustrations (colour);
ISBN: 978-1781300398
There are only a few Contemporary collectors of engraved gems, and the Parisian
art dealer and collector Guy Ladriere Stands out as one of the most influential
Personalities in this area. His amazing collection of antique and modern rings,
cameos, intaglios, and little works in the round consists of nearly three hundred
pieces and is definitely one of the largest and best assemblages. We warmly welcomed
the news that this particular cabinet would be published, not only because it includes
rare and important works of art, but most importantly because the owner decided to
share his treasure with the public - a noble gesture that will hopefully inspire other
private owners to follow suit. The three co-authors - Diana Scarisbrick, Claudia
Wagner, and Sir John Boardman - are well-respected authorities in the fields of
ancient and modern rings, engraved gems, and the history of collecting, among
others. They have all madę an immense contributionto the study of glyptic art. There
is not enough space here to list even just their major publications, but it must be
said at once that the authors here provide the reader - whether he is a specialist on
gems, a connoisseur, or a collector of ancient art - with another exceptional volume
presented in a most handsome way.
The book opens with a brief but highly informative introduction by Diana
Scarisbrick. In the best possible way, she has captured in words Guy Ladriere’s
passion for engraved gemstones. She teils the story of ho w this Parisian dealer of Old
Master paintings and sculpture became fascinated with intaglios and cameos during
his research on medieval rings at the Louvre. There, he came across a signet with
an ancient ruby intaglio, which was the initial spark that burst quickly into a desire
to attain knowledge about glyptic art. Monsieur Ladriere initially educated himself
at the Cabinet des Medailles in Paris and then by way of visits to major museums
across Europę. It is fascinating to see what his educational process consisted in. Once
he acquired sufficient knowledge, he started to collect the art he so highly esteems.
His impressive collection, presented on charts in the catalogue under discussion,
includes a variety of objects ranging from little works in precious Stones in the round,
to cameos and intaglios, and to engraved finger rings. It covers glyptic material from
antiquity down to the 19* Century. As a result, reading this book is indeed not only
a feast for the eyes but also a highly educational experience. One is served with an
array of subjects, including important portrait studies from all the periods, so even
if one has no previous experience with this art form one quickly becomes inspired
to reach for other publications dealing with gems.