An illustrated narrative about the life of architect Antoni Gaudi, this book begins with his birth in 1852 and continues to his death in 1926, focused on his career as he kept his personal life private. The many political and cultural influences of his native Spain as well as his health, temperament, and family business combine to create the designer Gaudi. His identity as Catalan and his workaholic nature produced amazing creations (first commission was in 1878), gaining the attention of Barcelona’s bourgeoisie. Gaudi’s designs included buildings, landscapes, and furniture. He decorated the interiors of churches and convent chapels, and designed monumental street-lamps. Geometry and nature figure prominently in his work. It is fascinating to see all Gaudi accomplished, especially after traveling to Spain multiple times and seeing his work. “Gaudi regarded churches as being the most representative buildings of a people…” so it is fitting that he played such a key role in Sagrada Familia.
Maria Antoinette Crippa curated this collection. After an overview of Gaudi’s life and influences, she shows some of his key projects describing them, adding floor plans, photos, and historical details. At the end Crippa gives a summary timeline of Gaudi’s life and work.
While visiting Spain in September 2024, I toured El Capricho finished in 1885. In the gift shop I saw this book and ordered it to read when I returned home. El Capricho is magnificent. No photos (although beautiful) do it justice. Yet having this coffee table book is a joy and inspiration.