3.0 out of 5 stars
An Illustrated History of Trompe L'Oeil, Jan 6 2000
By A Customer
This book is a photographically illustrated essay on the history and current usage of trompe l'oeil. Trompe L'Oeil at Home has its inspiring moments but is definitely not a "how-to" manual. There are no instructions or diagrams on how to achieve any of the paint effects or murals shown. Most of the photos are from grand settings (estate homes, museums) or are ceramic dishes, fashion shots, building exteriors, movie sets, or pictures of wallpapers and borders. Less than half of the murals and projects would be used in an average home. Thus the book's title is misleading. The photographs selected for this book are primarily formal but some smaller projects are shown (bathroom "window", kitchen "shelves" etc.) The "Window with a View" (p.126) and its companion painting (untitled, p. 180 and back cover of the dust jacket) are wonderful examples of trompe l'oeil in the home. I wish more of the book was like that. There are no murals or projects with children's themes at all. For its type, this illustrated essay is an average read. If you are looking for something to inspire you in your work within the family home, or if you are looking for a "how-to" manual, you'd best keep looking.
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