Spanning 18th century French and English decorative arts, Old Master drawings, and paintings, the Brock Collection is dedicated above all to the pursuit of Beauty. Virtually every object has been selected according to the collector’s original theory of beauty-in-design, a theory brilliantly elucidated in this book. Splendor and Elegance celebrates Brock’s particular vision of European art, showcasing some 150 objects in a variety of media, including a remarkable Boulle long-case clock, major examples of Chelsea, Meissen, and Sèvres porcelain, and powerful drawings by Rubens and Tiepolo.

George T. M. Shackelford is the Chair and Arthur K. Solomon Curator of Modern Art Department of Art of Europe for the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Clifford S. Ackley is the Department Chair and Ruth and Carl J. Shapiro Curator of Prints and Drawings for the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.