Beyond Adornment
Jewelry and Identity in Art
by Yvonne J. Markowitz; Susanne Gänsicke
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Pub Date May 06 2025 | Archive Date Apr 27 2025
Getty Publications | J. Paul Getty Museum
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Description
Why do people wear jewelry? What meaning does it hold for the wearer? And what does the wearer hope it will convey to those they encounter—or to someone viewing their image decades, even centuries, later?
Artistic renderings of the human figure—in portraiture, sculpture, and other media—in a range of allegorical, historical, and religious images often showcase jewelry. The ornaments depicted in such designs offer an abundance of information that not only heightens our understanding of the subject but also provides insights into the imagination of the artist. Jewelry enhances our enjoyment of works of art because it is visually compelling, sensuous, and laden with an array of associations and symbolic meanings.
Bringing together spectacular and significant art objects depicting figures wearing sumptuous personal adornments that define who they are within the specific milieus in which they lived, this richly illustrated and accessible volume represents a novel, interdisciplinary approach to the ways in which jewelry can be studied and understood.
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781606069622 |
PRICE | $40.00 (USD) |
PAGES | 184 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews

Fascinating informative look at jewelry full of beautiful illustrations.Perfect look at the history of jewelry the way jewelry is used as adornments throughout history. An encyclopedia to dip in and out of ..#netgalley #getty

Beyond Adornment is a masterfully written exploration of jewellery as more than just decoration — it captures the soul behind the craft. As a jeweller, I found it deeply inspiring; it challenges convention while celebrating the emotional and cultural weight our work can carry. Thought-provoking, beautifully presented, and full of heart — a must-read for anyone in the trade or with a love for meaningful design.
on storygraph - https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/a8bb2900-9a83-49b8-9d69-1325ffe9d6b4
on goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7479873611
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