The Commerce of Vision


Book Description

When Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote in 1837 that "Our Age is Ocular," he offered a succinct assessment of antebellum America's cultural, commercial, and physiological preoccupation with sight. In the early nineteenth century, the American city's visual culture was manifest in pamphlets, newspapers, painting exhibitions, and spectacular entertainments; businesses promoted their wares to consumers on the move with broadsides, posters, and signboards; and advances in ophthalmological sciences linked the mechanics of vision to the physiological functions of the human body. Within this crowded visual field, sight circulated as a metaphor, as a physiological process, and as a commercial commodity. Out of the intersection of these various discourses and practices emerged an entirely new understanding of vision. The Commerce of Vision integrates cultural history, art history, and material culture studies to explore how vision was understood and experienced in the first half of the nineteenth century. Peter John Brownlee examines a wide selection of objects and practices that demonstrate the contemporary preoccupation with ocular culture and accurate vision: from the birth of ophthalmic surgery to the business of opticians, from the typography used by urban sign painters and job printers to the explosion of daguerreotypes and other visual forms, and from the novels of Edgar Allan Poe and Herman Melville to the genre paintings of Richard Caton Woodville and Francis Edmonds. In response to this expanding visual culture, antebellum Americans cultivated new perceptual practices, habits, and aptitudes. At the same time, however, new visual experiences became quickly integrated with the machinery of commodity production and highlighted the physical shortcomings of sight, as well as nascent ethical shortcomings of a surface-based culture. Through its theoretically acute and extensively researched analysis, The Commerce of Vision synthesizes the broad culturing of vision in antebellum America.




Antiquarian Bookman


Book Description







The Carriage Journal


Book Description

FEATURES Driving in Mississippi 151 Secondhand Harness 152 A Note on Outer Nave Hoops 154 Where Have All the Coaches Gone? 157 The Squeaky Wheel: Oiling and Greasing Axles 162 In Memory of Pete Leach 165 Beechdale Gala 166 Making Your Own Thong Whip 167 Brice Thomas 172 Coachmakers Company Goblet 175 Fairman Rogers: Gentleman Coachman 176 Live Oak Plantation 181 Bogajewicz Carriage Factory 187 DEPARTMENTS View from the Box 150 Questions and Answers 156 Memories, Mostly Horsy 169 Book Reviews 184 Carriage Trade




Art Books, 1876-1949


Book Description







Mineralogy Simplified


Book Description




Practical Carriage and Wagon Painting


Book Description

In 'Practical Carriage and Wagon Painting' by M. C. Hillick, readers are presented with a comprehensive guide on the intricate art of painting carriages and wagons. The book provides detailed instructions on techniques, color combinations, and tools needed to achieve professional results. Written in a clear and concise manner, this manual serves as a valuable resource for artists, historians, and enthusiasts interested in the craftsmanship of carriage painting. Hillick's attention to detail and practical advice make this book a must-have for anyone looking to learn or perfect the art of carriage painting. Set in the context of a time when horse-drawn carriages were a common mode of transportation, this book sheds light on a traditional skill that still holds relevance today. M. C. Hillick, a skilled artisan and expert in the field of carriage painting, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to 'Practical Carriage and Wagon Painting'. His passion for preserving and sharing this historical craft led him to create a comprehensive guide that has become a classic in the industry. Through his meticulous research and dedication to the subject, Hillick has crafted a book that is not only informative but also a testament to his commitment to the art form. I highly recommend 'Practical Carriage and Wagon Painting' to anyone interested in the history and techniques of carriage painting. Whether you are a novice or an experienced painter, this book offers valuable insights and tips that will enhance your understanding and skills in this specialized field.







Western Painter


Book Description