John Derian. Picture Book

John Derian is an artist and designer who transforms printed images from the past, and in doing so transports the viewer to another world. He does it with the simplest of objects - a paperweight, a glass dish, a bowl, a plate - and the simplest of techniques : decoupage. But the effect is like alchemy. A John Derian collectible exudes a timeless fascination. A botanical illustration of a sea fan. An antique color wheel, its jewel-like hues faint but glowing. Victorian hand shadow puppets. A wistful note written in elegant script. The iconic human eye. Beautiful, silent, nostalgic, mysterious - they're like images from a dream.
Each of John Derian's pieces begins with his discovery of one-of-a-kind illustrations, etchings, chromolithographic prints, rare reproductions, and other printed matter from 18th- and 19th-century books. Now his legion of collectors and fans can experience 400 of Derian's best-loved images in a lush, oversized gift book format. This singularly beautiful work is, in itself, a beautiful object of desire, a work of art destined to become the gift book of the season.