Episode 24: Art Nouveau

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Art Nouveau is a style that was popular between 1890 and 1910 (though it still has great influence on artists today). It came from the British art movement called the Arts and Crafts movement, which praised traditional craftsmanship over mass-produced items of the industrial revolution. 

Tassel House, Belgium by Victor Horta

Gaudi, Barcelona, Spain

Tiffany Lamps

Example of Art Nouveau jewelry

Metro Entrance, Paris

Klimt, The Kiss, 1907-08

Art Nouveau is a highly decorative style and spans across all kinds of mediums including architecture, graphic arts, jewelry, clothing, and home furnishings. Art Nouveau travelled across Europe as a movement, and because of this each country/region has a slightly different take on the style, reflecting their own culture and history in their applications. Wherever you go, though, Art Nouveau tends to be very flowery, decorative, using many curved and organic lines. 

Mucha was Sarah Bernhardt's primary artist

One of the best examples of Art Nouveau, as well as one of the most iconic artists for this artistic movement, is Alphonse Mucha. His work is generally made up of the female figure usually set with a decorative, usually circular, background. His pictures are full of grace and whimsical organic forms, and they continue to influence contemporary artists today.

A'shop, Our Lady of Grace, 2011