Land of the Winged Horseman: Art in Poland, 1572-1764

Land of the Winged Horseman: Art in Poland, 1572-1764 by Jan K. Ostrowski Translated by Krstyna Malcharek In its golden years of the Baroque era, Poland expressed creative ties to east and west in extraordinary works of fine and decorative art. This gorgeously illustrated book displays more than 150 works of art that celebrate the cross-cultural richness of Poland's creative output during this period. From the dramatic uniform of the winged Hussar complete with feathers and leopard skin to traditional portraits of royalty to a Turkish-style beverage service, these splendid objects represent Poland's diversity and breadth at a time when it was the largest land empire in Europe, stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea. The book addresses five areas of Polish culture in the sixteenth through eighteenth centuries. The first section on the monarchy features objects relating to the kings who ruled during the period. The second section of the book is devoted