Art Nouveau

Is a title given to a style of art that developed as a reaction to academic art in 19th century Europe. Academic art sought to combine elements of Neoclassicism and Romanticism. In response Art Nouveau focused on natural structures and forms and sought to harmonise with the natural environment. As well as featuring flowers and plants, the use of the curved line became a hallmark of Art Nouveau with the use of undulating, flowing and dynamic lines creating asymmetrical shapes.

Popular between 1890 and 1910 it became a global influence with the philosophy of the style being art as life. With this in mind, Art Nouveau designers and artists sought to influence every aspect of life, from architecture, through interior design, graphic art and the decorative arts including textiles, furniture, household silver, lighting, jewellery and other household utensils as well as the fine arts of painting and sculpture.

English adopted the French name Art nouveau (“new art”), but the style has many different names in other countries. Art Nouveau is also known as Jugendstil in Germany, as Modern (Модерн) in Russia, as Modernisme in Catalonia (Spain), as Secession in Austria-Hungary and as Stile Liberty in Italy.