Author
Esther Singleton
1865-1930
Esther Singleton (1865-1930) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Esther Singleton
Dutch and Flemish Furniture
"Dutch and Flemish Furniture" by Esther Singleton is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work explores the intricate history and craftsmanship of furniture from the Low Countries, focusing on how various artistic styles evolved from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance to the 19th century. The book likely delves into the impact of socio-political developments on furniture design and manufacturing, as well as the cultural exchanges between different European countries. The opening of the text provides background on the artistic and cultural evolution in the Low Countries, emphasizing the significant influence of the English and Flemish artisans on one another throughout history. Singleton highlights the interconnectedness of trade, craftsmanship, and socio-political relationships between England, France, and the Low Countries. This section sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the various furniture styles and artistic movements, indicating that subsequent chapters will draw upon historical events and artistic trends that shaped the distinctive styles found in Dutch and Flemish designs.
The orchestra and its instruments
"The Orchestra and Its Instruments" by Esther Singleton is a non-fiction musical guide written in the late 19th century. The book aims to provide music lovers and young students with a deeper understanding of the various instruments that comprise the Symphony Orchestra, detailing their histories and functions within the musical ensemble. With its focus on the orchestra's distinct "personality" formed by the collaboration of different instrumental families, this work serves as an insightful introduction to orchestral music. The opening of the text sets the scene for a concert hall ambiance, inviting readers to observe the arrival of the orchestra and its players. Singleton introduces the primary instrumental families—the strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion—each assigned its unique role in creating a harmonious ensemble. The narrative emphasizes the individuality of each instrument while illustrating how their collective interplay adds depth and character to orchestral music. It also hints at the enchanting world of music as the conductor prepares to lead the orchestra, striving to engage readers' imaginations and encourage a greater appreciation for this art form.
The Shakespeare Garden
"The Shakespeare Garden" by Esther Singleton is a horticultural guidebook written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the history, evolution, and significance of gardens during Shakespeare's time, exploring the various flowers featured in his works and providing insights for creating an authentic Shakespeare garden. Singleton's appreciation for Shakespeare's connection to nature and flowers serves as a foundation to examine the horticultural practices prevalent during the Elizabethan era. At the start of the book, the author introduces her motivation for discussing Shakespeare's gardens, emphasizing the playwright's frequent references to flowers and his appreciation for their beauty. Singleton notes the types of gardens Shakespeare would have known, contrasting the grand estates of nobility with simpler cottage gardens. She outlines the structure of the book, which encompasses the historical context of garden design, specifics about flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays, and practical guidance on creating a Shakespearean garden of one's own. The opening sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the flora and garden aesthetics that inspired the Bard himself, aiming to inspire readers with a newfound understanding of the interplay between literature and gardening.
The Standard Galleries - Holland
"The Standard Galleries - Holland" by Esther Singleton is a guidebook focused on the notable art galleries and masterpieces of Dutch painters, written in the early 20th century. This work serves as an informative companion for tourists and art enthusiasts wishing to appreciate the rich heritage of Dutch art, particularly that from the Golden Age, highlighting renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and others. The text provides a blend of historical context, critical analysis, and personal observations of various artworks. The opening of the book lays out Singleton's intention to assist travelers looking to optimize their limited time in the Netherlands. It emphasizes the need for a guide that not only points out which artworks to see in major galleries but also offers insightful commentary on the significance of these works and their creators. Singleton aims to present a selection of both famous and lesser-known paintings, enhancing the reader's understanding and appreciation of Dutch art. The prefatory remarks frame her exploration of the various galleries in Holland, setting the stage for a deeper dive into the architectural and artistic treasures awaiting visitors.
How to Visit the English Cathedrals
"How to Visit the English Cathedrals" by Esther Singleton is a guidebook written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a valuable resource for tourists seeking to explore and appreciate the rich architecture and historical significance of the cathedrals across England. Singleton compiles concise descriptions and insights from various specialists to enhance the reader's understanding and enjoyment of these grand ecclesiastical buildings. The opening of the guidebook presents a modest introduction from the author, who expresses her intent to provide new visitors with a useful overview of notable cathedrals in England. Singleton emphasizes the complexity of these majestic structures, which often evolved architecturally over centuries. She outlines the main features of cathedral design and architecture, discussing the roles of various architectural elements like the nave, transepts, and choir, while alluding to the historical narrative that surrounds these places of worship. The text invites readers to embark on a journey through these architectural marvels, enriched by both historical context and aesthetic appreciation.
Old world masters in new world collections
"Old World Masters in New World Collections" by Esther Singleton is an illustrated art history survey and catalogue written in the early 20th century. It documents European Old Master paintings that entered American private collections, blending brief school overviews with focused entries on individual works, their provenance, former owners, and aesthetic qualities. The volume foregrounds beauty, downplays martyrdom and violence, and underscores the roles of prominent collectors and dealers—especially Sir Joseph Duveen—in shaping America as a new repository of masterpieces. The opening of this volume presents a preface asserting the book’s novelty and scope, crediting American collectors and Duveen’s influence, listing celebrated works with illustrious provenances, arguing for the superior selectiveness of American collections, and declaring a “Beauty”-driven selection while noting extraordinary valuations. It then outlines the contents by national schools and begins with a clear, contextual primer on Sienese painting as a refined Gothic offshoot with Byzantine and possible Oriental affinities. Early entries describe Sassetta’s St. Francis scenes, Matteo di Giovanni’s brocaded Madonna, and Benvenuto di Giovanni’s lively Adoration, each with vivid formal analysis and ownership history. A broader Florentine survey follows—linking Cimabue, Giotto, guilds, and Medici patronage to the Renaissance—before concise entries on a Giotto Madonna, Masolino’s architectural Annunciation, Fra Angelico’s angel and Virgin diptych and a Cosmas-and-Damianus predella scene, and a Fra Filippo Lippi Madonna, all characterized by precise iconography, technique, and provenance.
French and English furniture : $b distinctive styles and periods described and illustrated
"French and English Furniture" by Esther Singleton is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work provides an in-depth exploration of furniture styles and decorative arts from the French Renaissance to various English decorative periods, focusing on distinctive characteristics, functions, and historical contexts. Singleton aims to serve collectors, students, and interior decorators by offering a comprehensive guide to furnishing rooms in any given style. The opening of the text reveals Singleton's purpose of providing an extensive overview of French and English furniture from the Renaissance onward. She emphasizes the lack of comparable works that effectively describe and illustrate various styles, asserting that her book aims to enable readers to understand how to appropriately furnish rooms in specific historical styles, such as Louis XV or Heppelwhite. The preface also discusses the intricate details of the furniture, including upholstery, cabinetry, and decorative elements, highlighting the artistic achievements and evolution in taste from one period to another. Additionally, she mentions the inclusion of illustrations sourced from contemporary materials and designers to enrich the reader's understanding.