Polychrome (Polychrome Decoration)

the work

Polychrome (Polychrome decoration)

Polychrome Decoration is a decorative arts illustrated book compiled by the 19th century French artist Albert Racinet (1825-1893). From this original edition published in 1888, we have digitally enhanced the beautiful polychrome lithographs and brought them back to life in vibrant color. These fascinating public domain images were collected from textiles, frescoes , manuscripts , mosaics, architectural designs and more from around the world, allowing you to be inspired by designs from some of the most important artists of the 19th century.

Albert Racine Biography

• Born on February 20, 1825 in Paris, France.
• He worked as a painter, decorative artist, and art historian.
• He studied decorative art from various eras and compiled the results of his research in the book "Polychrome Decoration."
• He died in Paris on February 24, 1893 (aged 67).

Representative works

• Polychrome (1869-1873, first edition; 1885-1887, second edition)

Characteristics and influence of this book

Polychrome Decoration is a valuable resource that covers decorative art from various cultures from antiquity to the 18th century . Racinet has collected decorative motifs and patterns from all over the world and reproduced them in meticulous polychrome lithographs.

These illustrations, with their beauty and precision, have inspired many designers and artists, influencing art movements such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco, and their influence can still be seen in modern design.

Polychrome Decoration not only conveys the diversity and history of decorative arts, but also, through its beauty, demonstrates cultural exchange and the universality of art.