Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau was a vibrant artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th century, translating to “new art’ in French, it stood in stark contrast to the academic art of the time and sought to break free from the established artistic conventions, embracing innovation and organic, ornamental aesthetics.
Some prominent features of Art Nouveau include:
Organic forms
Inspiration was drawn from flowers, plants and other flowing natural silhouettes.
Ornamentation
Lavish adornment by way of intricate patterns and decorative elements can be seen across all creations in the Art Nouveau period, from architecture to art work.
Whiplash Curves
Arguably one of the most distinctive features of the Art Nouveau period, these fluid, undulating lines created a sense of movement.
New Materials and Techniques
Designers of this period used materials as well as new methods of stained glass to allow for intricate designs.
Global Influence
While this influential design era originated in Europe, it quickly became an international movement.
The Art Nouveau period left a lasting legacy influencing subsequent art movements which can still be seen in design today.
To see some wonderful examples of the Art Nouveau period, register for our 16-April | The Purple Shop - The Anthony Gardner Collection Auction