Assyrian and Persian Art. Examples of Decoration, Ornamentation.

Racinet, Assyria, Persia, Art, Ornament, Decoration.
Painted sculptures. Enamelled bricks. Various specimens. Paintings and Restorations of Assyrian and Persian Art.

ASSYRIAN ART. EXAMPLES OF POLYCHROMATIC DECORATION.

Two distinct periods may be noted in Assyrian art: the first, that of the foundation of Babylon by the Nabateans, on an alluvial soil destitute of stone quarries a period characterized by the exclusive use of brick, and in which architecture was confined within very narrow limits; and a second period, that of the foundation of Nineveh by the Scythians, the conquerors of primitive Babylon, in a region where basalt and numerous stone quarries rendered possible a monumental architecture quite unknown to the Babylonians.

It is to this Ninevite period, which might also be called the Scytho-Assyrian, that the majority of the remains collected in the museums of London and Paris belong; as also do the various specimens given in our plate.

Description, Plate
Description of Plate

NINEVEH. PALACE OF KHORSABAD.

No.1. Painted sculptures, after Layard,
Nos. 2, 3, 4. Painted sculptures, after Victor Place.
No. 5. Bricks inlaid in colours, after Layard.
Nos. 6 to 10. Enamelled bricks, after Victor Place.
Nos. 11 to 18. Various specimens, after Layard.
Nos. 19, 20. Paintings, after Victor Place.
Nos. 21 to 23. Restorations, after Botta.

PERSEPOLIS.

Nos. 24 to 33. – Restorations, after M. C. Texier (l’Armenie, la Perse et la Mésopotamie, 2 vols. folio; Firmin Didot).

Source: Polychromatic ornament by Auguste Racinet. London, H. Sotheran and Co., 1877.

Illustration, damasks, ornament

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Auguste Racinet. The Costume History by Françoise Tétart-Vittu.

Racinet's Costume History is an invaluable reference for students, designers, artists, illustrators, and historians; and a rich source of inspiration for anyone with an interest in clothing and style. Originally published in France between 1876 and 1888, Auguste Racinet’s Le Costume historique was in its day the most wide-ranging and incisive study of clothing ever attempted.

Covering the world history of costume, dress, and style from antiquity through to the end of the 19th century, the six volume work remains completely unique in its scope and detail. “Some books just scream out to be bought; this is one of them.” ― Vogue.com