Ornamentalism: The Art of Renaissance Accessories (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780472071173)

Ornamentalism is the first book to focus on Renaissance accessories, their histories and meanings. The collection's eminent contributors bring accessories to the center of a discussion about material culture, dress, and adornment, exploring their use, significance, and multiple lives. Defining an "accessory" in the broadest sense--including scents, veils, handkerchiefs, lingerie, codpieces, dildos, jewels, ruffs, wax seals, busks, shoes, scissors, and even boys--the book provides a rich cultural history that's eclectic and bold, including discussions of bodily functions, personal hygiene, and sexuality.

Lively, well-written, and richly illustrated with color plates, Ornamentalism will appeal to scholars of the material past and social practice, and those interested in fashion studies, manners and morals, gender and sexuality, theater and performance.


Author: Bella Mirabella
ISBN-10: 0472071173
ISBN-13: 9780472071173
Publisher: University of Michigan Press
Language: English
Published: 11/11/2011
Pages: 388
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.54lbs
Size: 9.20h x 6.20w x 1.30d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 08/01/2012