Himmelheber, Georg: Biedermeier furniture
Munich: Verlag C. H. Beck, 1987
ISBN 3-406-31577-1
Georg Himmelheber's standard work on Biedermeier furniture art offers a comprehensive analysis of the style, its origins, forms and regional characteristics in Germany and the Danube Monarchy. It combines art-historical, social and economic-historical perspectives with a detailed description of furniture types, materials and techniques.
In addition to the systematic classification and delimitation of the Biedermeier style, the author also deals with the development of regional workshops (for example in Vienna, Bavaria, the south-west or Berlin) as well as contemporary craftsmanship. Particularly noteworthy is the appendix on the introduction of freedom of trade in Bavaria, which sheds light on the socio-economic background of furniture production.
The extensive illustrated section documents pieces of furniture in a clear typology and thus offers a valuable visualisation for collectors, restorers and scholars. The book is still regarded today as a reference work on furniture art of the early 19th century.