Assouline • CAYETANA, THE DUCHESS OF ALBA
Coffee table book
Cayetana, The Duchess Of Alba: Art, Aristocracy, and the Soul of Spain
203 pages, 184 illustrations.
Canvas hardcover.
REF. 95664
W.19 x H.3 x D.28cm
In Stock
Cayetana, the Duchess of Alba: Art, Aristocracy, and the Soul of Spain is an intimate portrait of one of Spain’s most captivating and unconventional figures. María del Rosario Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart y Silva, 18th Duchess of Alba, was born in 1926 and, as a Grandee of Spain, became head of the House of Alba—one of Europe’s most important noble families for over five centuries—at the age of just twenty-seven. More than a grand aristocrat, Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart was a force of nature: a liberal spirit deeply devoted to Spain and profoundly ahead of her time.
Muse to artists, patron of the arts, and custodian of one of Europe’s richest cultural and historical legacies, she moved effortlessly between palaces and people, tradition and rebellion. A true cosmopolitan, she was unapologetically Spanish in her passions— flamenco, bullfighting, Seville, and a visceral love for the land and its history—yet her tastes were daring, her spirit modern, and her independence groundbreaking for a woman of her stature and era. She was closely connected to the international elite of her time, counting among her circle Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, Jackie Kennedy, Yves Saint Laurent, Maria Callas, Rudolf Nureyev, and Stavros Niarchos.
Founded in Paris in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline, Assouline is the first luxury brand on culture. It began with the desire to create a new, contemporary style of book, using the couple's experienced eye for visually rich stories and compelling narratives.
Guided by their passion for knowledge, culture and travel, the Assoulines have since expanded their vision to 1,700 titles in three main collections, along with special editions and unique library accessories—a grand oeuvre of inspiring creations. Throughout the last quarter of a century, the brand has established a network of international boutiques in prominent locations across the globe.
With a distinguished team of creative talents—which includes the founders' son Alexandre—the brand continues to reinvent the notion of true luxury. Assouline’s roster of collaborators includes some of the world’s most respected brands, artists, photographers, writers and designers.
