By Sara Evans | Featured in the Fall 2014 Issue – Art Of The Times
So many beautiful books, so little time. Here is our pick of the most fascinating art and design books of the season.
Fine Art and Photography

First on our list is Every Hour of the Light: The Paintings of Mary Sipp Green. Based in Massachusetts, Green is superlative in her ability to pull in the viewer. Moreover, her intensely saturated colors evoke an immediate sense of place. Ultimately, she achieves a serene, ethereal quality in her landscapes.

Next, we explore Anders Zorn. Notably, this is the first volume in English to explore the Swedish Impressionist’s entire career. Renowned for his watercolors, Zorn later applied his techniques to oil painting. Consequently, he became a favorite portrait artist among wealthy American collectors.

For history lovers, Doré: Master of Imagination is a must. Without a doubt, Gustave Doré was one of the most prodigious artists of the 19th century. This survey covers everything from his caricatures to his monumental sculptures.

In the world of photography, Cecil Beaton: Portraits and Profiles is essential. This beautiful book combines photos and writings about important subjects. For instance, it features icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Coco Chanel. Therefore, it is a must-have for lovers of the 20th century.

Similarly, Still Moving by Danny Clinch chronicles a rock photographer’s career. From Johnny Cash to Björk, it captures the music scene’s most important figures.

On a different note, Flora by Nick Knight represents a marriage of art and nature. Because he was obsessed by the Natural History Museum, Knight spent years photographing pressed flowers. The resulting volume is perfect for plant lovers..

Fashion enthusiasts will love The House of Worth 1890-1956. Historically, Charles Frederick Worth built the first fashion house with global reach. This book explores his success and offers valuable insights into the daily routine at Maison Worth.

Likewise, Yves Saint Laurent: Icons of Fashion Design documents 40 years of extraordinary design. In fact, photographs by luminaries like Avedon demonstrate YSL’s profound effect on culture.

For a modern twist, check out Killer Heels. This book explores the rich cultural history of the high heel. It features over 160 spectacular designs, from Venetian platforms to Christian Louboutins.

In the world of textiles, Unconventional and Unexpected focuses on quilts from 1950-2000. These are not your grannie’s patchworks, but rather a graphic look at the art quilt.

Travel to the Highlands with The Noble Houses of Scotland. Architectural historian Charles Wemyss investigates the aspirations of the Scottish nobility. Engaging and informative, this book profiles the country’s leading architects.

For interior design fans, Mid-Century Modern is the definitive guide. It is the single best source for exploring this international movement. The book profiles key creators like Charles and Ray Eames.

Lastly, Matthew Barney: River of Fundament documents the artist’s epic seven-year project. Inspired by Norman Mailer, it chronicles a narrative of death and reincarnation.