Fruits of Desire: A Seventeenth-Century Carved Ivory Cup

By Eike D. Schmidt

An extraordinary achievement in terms of its artistic rendering of the human body, its masterful carving of details, and its profound philosophical meaning, Balthasar Griessmann's large ivory goblet in the J. Paul Getty Museum celebrates wine and explores the benefits and risks of its consumption. Culminating with an allegory of youth, it challenges the viewer to think about the share of pleasure and duty as guiding principles in making life choices. This handsome gift book is illustrated with stunning detail photography and includes an essay that traces the visual and literary sources that inspired Griessmann's designs. Although long considered a master of German Baroque ivory carving, Griessmann was identified by name only fifteen years ago. This photo essay and analysis is the first overview of Griessmann in the English language.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 089236940X
• ISBN13: 9780892369409
• Release Date: June 2009
• Publisher: J. Paul Getty Museum
• Length: 56 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.5" x 5.0"