Feminine and luxurious, with whiplash curves and semi-clad maidens, Art Nouveau was a reaction to the historical revivals that had dominated for decades. It transformed the Decorative Arts as the 19th Century came to a close.
The term "Art Nouveau" means "New Art" and possessed a sinuous style of design including the exotic and sometimes erotic influence in art and decoration. The movement strived to use materials for their natural qualities and beauty. Nature was the primary theme throughout. Art Nouveau is one of the most easily recognized design styles with its use of exotic materials, rich colours, curves
CHARACTERISTICS
Sinuous, organic, asymmetrical forms, lines and shapes inspired by nature (stylized naturalism), symbolism, exotic woods, marquetry.
HISTORICAL INFLUENCES
The 1900 World’s Fair in Paris presented the new arts to the world
The roots of the Art Nouveau movement were in England but soon spread – Founding of the Century Guild by Arthur H. Mackmurdo in 1882
SOME IMPORTANT DESIGNERS/MANUFACTURERS
Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald (Scotland) and Frances McNair Rene` Lalique, Master of Jewellery and Glass. Liberty and Company in London – George Jensen from Denmark for his Art Nouveau work in silver – Louis Comfort Tiffany for his stained glass, picture frames, trinket boxes, perfume bottles as well as jewellery and glassware
MOTIFS
whiplash curves; plants and flowers; insects – dragonflies, bees/wasps, swans, flowers, snakes, fantasy butterflies, women with long, flowing tresses and diaphanous gowns
ORGINS AND DEVELOPMENT
Name derived from Samuel Bing’s La Maison de l’Art Nouveau in Paris; influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, Japanese art, and Horta’s designs in Belgium; style spread particularly to Britain, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, and the USA revived in the 1960s
