Johann Kraftner

The Princely Collections of Liechtenstein gained momentum during the early 17th century when Prince Karl I commissioned several works, including Adriaen de Fries’s life-sized bronze of Christ in Distress. From that point on, the artistic holdings of the principality grew and were shaped by each successive monarch. Over the centuries, the collections expanded to include works by masters such as da Vinci, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck. They now comprise some 1,700 paintings and sculptures, dating from the early Renaissance to the 19th century. The collections also contain important works of graphic art, porcelain, tapestries, and furniture that once adorned the Liechtenstein castles and palaces. This sumptuously illustrated volume explores the historical evolution of the Princely Collections, tracing the works’ acquisition as well as their occasional sale and relocation to museums around the world. Nearly one hundred of the collections’ highlights by approximately 60 artists are presented in this book, which allows readers to fully appreciate the breadth and depth of these storied collections.

The first major illustrated monograph in many years on the history of gardens, landscape design, and architecture, focusing on both the Western and Eastern traditions and their influences. Ambitious in scope and lavishly illustrated, this book surveys every period in garden design and landscape architecture, from classical antiquity and the medieval cloisters to the latest trends in modern design. Captured here are two millennia of garden history--the most comprehensive garden photo documentary ever undertaken by a single author. From the Roman gardens at Hadrian's villa to the modern work of landscape architects, historical and contemporary gardens are showcased with special attention to the relationship between gardens and houses. The informative text reveals the evolutions, transformations, influences, and trends that characterize these beautiful landscapes, putting into context their aesthetic appeal. Gardens are unique, reflecting the landscape, flora, and climate of their environments as well as the heritage, history, architectural styles, and influences of society. From the fountain gardens of Persia to the prairie-style gardens currently popular, from the Zen gardens of Buddhist temples to the Impressionist gardens in Giverny, the huge variety of gardens is a testament to our age-old desire to tame and refashion nature. This gorgeously photographed book will captivate travelers and garden admirers alike and inspire gardeners with ideas for design, horticulture, and use.