Flight of Fancy: The Banishment and Return of Ornament

The role of ornamentation in architecture has varied through the centuries and its importance is intertwined with the history of art, the author convincingly points out. As painting became a respected art form during the Renaissance, the distinction between the fine and decorative arts widened, notes Brolin (The Failure of Modern Architecture, etc.), leaving ornamentation behind. He explains why Art Nouveau and earlier styles exhibit ornamental abandon, while during the modernist period, traditional ornamentation was minimizedonly to return in full force with the onset of post-modernism. His discussions range from the nature of art, beauty and genius to the influence of economics. Illustrations. December 11