Author: Andreevskaia, V. D. (Vera Dmitrievna); Dmitrevskii, N. P.(Nikolai Pavlovich)
Title: Istoriia Odezhdy (History of Clothing)
Description: (Vologda), Izdanie Vologodskogo otdeleniia gosudarstvennogo izdatelstva, 1922. Second printing (published shortly after the first), 1 of 4000 copies; 10 3/4 x 9; pp. [62]; rebound in speckled, gilt-and-black paper over boards and 3/4 leatherette; original wraps bound in; illustrated with beautiful lithographed plates; a few small deaccession stamps; two of the plates with archival repairs to verso; page numbers in manuscript (as published [?]); in good to very good condition. An ambitious and beautifully-executed endeavour, the book was a collaboration between author, historian, and educator Vera Dmitrievna Andreevskaia (1886 - 1960) and painter, graphic artist, stage designer, and part of Mir Iskusstva Nikolai Pavlovich Dmitrevskii (1890 - 1938). Intended for the "general population," the publication presented the history of clothing and fashion of various time periods - from primitive garbs through ancient Greek, Italian, and Chinese, to 18th-century French and 19th-century Russian outfits. Furthermore, to enhance the character of the style of the era, the artist added in the margins of the plates ornaments and other nation-specific symbols (cuneiform, etc.). The influence of the World of Art movement on Dmitrevskii could be clearly seen, especially in the illustrations of the French and Russian clothing. However, in some critics' opinions, the project was just a marginal success, as compared to other brilliant works of Dmitrievskii, this one showed his "little interest in the matter and lack of inspiration." Furthermore, the critics felt it was impossible to cover such an elaborate and all-encompassing subject in one thin volume. Nevertheless, for what it was, the book was overwhelmingly well-received, informative, and quite-handsome. Good .

Keywords: Fashion, Clothing


See more books from our catalog: Fashion