DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.68373#0011
P R E F A C E .
JN editing these Series of ‘French Wood Carvings’ my endeavour has been to popularise
as far as possible the carvings in our National Museums. In arranging such a collection
the needs of a variety of Students, both professional and amateur, have to be considered. I
shall therefore make my remarks simple and practical, not presupposing any knowledge of
the subject.
Details obvious to the skilled designer and carver would probably be unnoticed by the
inexperienced Student. It is to him, therefore, that I hope to suggest a systematic and
intelligent method of study.
The limited choice of objects at my disposal has made it impossible to treat the subject
from a purely historical point of view, as there is no connected chain, although the examples
have been classified chronologically. They have been principally selected from the collection of
French Woodwork bought by the authorities of the South Kensington Museum in 1895, and
now divided amongst the various National Museums.
After mature consideration, and acting upon the advice of several French experts, I have
decided on dividing the centuries into early, middle, and late, and when a king’s name is
mentioned it is to suggest that the design and carving are typical of the style prevalent during
his reign, rather than to assert that the work was actually carried out in his lifetime.
I cordially recommend to all Students Mons. A. de Champeaux’s book ‘ Le Meuble,’ from
which I have derived much useful information. To Mr. Latham I am indebted for the
excellent negatives supplied for the reproductions, and to Mr. F. A. Crallan for the sectional
drawings, which will be invaluable to the practical worker.
I have also very cordially to thank the Directors of our National Museums and their
Assistants for their kindness in giving me every facility with regard to the preparation of the
Plates.
ELEANOR ROWE.
46 Pembroke Road, W.
June 1896.
I.
b
JN editing these Series of ‘French Wood Carvings’ my endeavour has been to popularise
as far as possible the carvings in our National Museums. In arranging such a collection
the needs of a variety of Students, both professional and amateur, have to be considered. I
shall therefore make my remarks simple and practical, not presupposing any knowledge of
the subject.
Details obvious to the skilled designer and carver would probably be unnoticed by the
inexperienced Student. It is to him, therefore, that I hope to suggest a systematic and
intelligent method of study.
The limited choice of objects at my disposal has made it impossible to treat the subject
from a purely historical point of view, as there is no connected chain, although the examples
have been classified chronologically. They have been principally selected from the collection of
French Woodwork bought by the authorities of the South Kensington Museum in 1895, and
now divided amongst the various National Museums.
After mature consideration, and acting upon the advice of several French experts, I have
decided on dividing the centuries into early, middle, and late, and when a king’s name is
mentioned it is to suggest that the design and carving are typical of the style prevalent during
his reign, rather than to assert that the work was actually carried out in his lifetime.
I cordially recommend to all Students Mons. A. de Champeaux’s book ‘ Le Meuble,’ from
which I have derived much useful information. To Mr. Latham I am indebted for the
excellent negatives supplied for the reproductions, and to Mr. F. A. Crallan for the sectional
drawings, which will be invaluable to the practical worker.
I have also very cordially to thank the Directors of our National Museums and their
Assistants for their kindness in giving me every facility with regard to the preparation of the
Plates.
ELEANOR ROWE.
46 Pembroke Road, W.
June 1896.
I.
b