Art Nouveau

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Philip Webb's Red House in Upton

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Acteur als hoveling-Rijksmuseum AK-MAK-1601A

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The Peacock Room

Chair LACMA M.2009.115 (5 of 5)

Morris Wey printed textile design c 1883

Art Nouveau is a style of art, architecture, and applied art—especially the decorative arts—that was most popular between 1890 and 1910. A reaction to the academic art of the 19th century, Art Nouveau is characterized by its use of a long, sinuous, organic line and was employed most often in architecture, interior design, jewelry and glass design, posters, and illustration. It was a deliberate attempt to create a new style, free of the imitative historicism that dominated much of 19th-century art and design.

Origins and Influences

The origins of Art Nouveau are found in the resistance to the academic art of the 19th century. It was inspired by natural forms and structures, not only in flowers and plants but also in curved lines. Influences came from both Japanese art and the more fluid, organic forms of the Pre-Raphaelites. It was also a response to the Industrial Revolution, with its creation of new materials and techniques that allowed for the design of more intricate, organic forms.

Characteristics

Art Nouveau is distinguished by its use of a long, flowing line, often taking the form of flower stalks, vine tendrils, insect wings, and other delicate and sinuous natural objects. The line is the most important element and is used to create a sense of movement and dynamism. Color is often muted, with a focus on harmonious combinations and soft tones. In architecture, Art Nouveau buildings are notable for their curved lines, use of iron and glass, and the incorporation of the structure into the surrounding landscape.

Key Figures and Works

Prominent figures in the Art Nouveau movement include Antoni Gaudí, whose work in Barcelona includes the still-unfinished Sagrada Família, which embodies the naturalistic and organic qualities of Art Nouveau. In the realm of decorative arts, Louis Comfort Tiffany in the United States is known for his stained glass designs, which feature vibrant colors and natural motifs. Alphonse Mucha, a Czech artist, is renowned for his distinctly stylized and decorative posters and illustrations.

Impact and Legacy

Art Nouveau was a precursor to modernist movements of the 20th century, influencing a variety of later styles, such as Art Deco and Bauhaus. Its emphasis on individual expression and organic forms had a lasting impact on the development of modern art and architecture. Despite its relatively short period of popularity, Art Nouveau remains celebrated for its innovative approach to design and its influence on the aesthetic movements that followed.

See Also

• Modernism
• Secession (art)
• Jugendstil
• Vienna Secession