Bookends Echo Works of Art and Architecture

Decorative bookends are a great way to add atypes like marble and granite. Symbols of strength
touch of style to your living space. In spite ofand durability, marble, granite and similar materials
predictions that books will fall victim to the digitalare often carved into beautiful and functional
age, many people place a special value on theirbookends. These stone types are also a popular
personal book collections. There are classical stylesmedia for sculpting, and can be seen in some of
of bookends, which can not only define the lookworlds most inspired works of art. From The
of the room, but also reflect important aspects ofThinker by Auguste Rodin, to the great classical
human history.sculptures of Michelangelo, some of the worlds
A particularly popular style of bookend reflectsgreat sculptures have been made into replica
the architectural styles of antiquity. Replicas ofbookends.
structures such as the Coliseum in Rome payModern day structures are often the subject of
tribute to some of the most recognizablebookends. Bookend replicas of such iconic
structures in the world. The Greeks are creditedstructures as the Lincoln Memorial in Washington,
with developing unique styles of building columnsDC, are very popular. Famous bridges, essentially
that were copied by the Romans. Various columncut in half, not only hold your book collection
orders from the Doric and Tuscan to Ionic havesecurely in place, but also can be reminiscent of
inspired various bookend styles.that trip to San Francisco and the Golden Gate
The Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt were builtBridge. Anyone who has been to the New York
as tombs and repositories. Detailed replicas ofCity Public Library remembers the twin lions
these great structures can be found in bookendguarding the front of the building. Strong and
form and feature a great deal of surface relief.silent, these kings of the literary jungle are one
The pyramid shape carries tremendousmost popular subjects for landmark bookends.
significance and is popular form seen in modernThe famous Tower Bridge in London spans the
and antique bookends. Pyramids were also anThames River. Beautiful replicas of this historic
important architectural feature of westernstructure can add a touch of English history to
cultures such as the Mayans. The classic andyour bookshelf or fireplace mantel. The Tower of
unique shape of the Mayan pyramid, have inspiredBig Ben and the Parliament Building will keep your
many different styles of bookends.literary collection standing straight but can add to
A feature of churches, cathedrals and otherthe conversation at your next social gathering.
religious structures, gargoyles are often menacingVarious materials are used to replicate history in
in appearance and were once thought to frightenthe form of a bookend. While granite and marble
off evil spirits. Gargoyles have also appeared onbookends can be somewhat pricey, other
the facades of other structures, from the Gothicmaterials have been used to reproduce the
to Art Deco. Happy faced gargoyles once gracedsmooth feel of marble or the heft and grain of
the ancient baths of the Greeks, Romans andgranite. Alabaster and alabastrite have been used
Egyptians. Like the belief in the ethereal power offor many years as a media for sculpting. Smooth
the pyramids, the fierce look of the gargoyles canand more easily worked, alabaster is most often
grace any bookshelf, scare away the demons andseen as pure white. Marble dust is combined with
keep your books in order.various resins giving the look of marble without
Many ancient structures were built from stonethe price.