The Style that Followed Art Deco: A Look into Art Nouveau
The Origins of Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau is a style that emerged in the late 19th century, around 1890, and lasted until the outbreak of World War I. It was developed in reaction to the academic art styles that dominated the 19th century, such as Neoclassicism and Romanticism. The term ‘Art Nouveau’ means ‘new art’ in French and was coined by art critic Gabriel Mourey in 1895. The style was initially developed in Belgium and France but soon spread to other European countries and the United States. Art Nouveau responded to the rapidly changing world and the advent of new technologies and materials that came along with it. The style aimed to create a new, modern aesthetic that would be expressed through every aspect of life, from architecture and design to fashion and advertising.Key Characteristics of Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau is characterized by its use of organic shapes and curvilinear lines, which were inspired by nature. The movement rejected the straight lines and rigid, symmetrical forms of the previous styles, such as Art Deco and Neoclassicism, in favor of flowing, asymmetrical lines. Other characteristics of Art Nouveau include:- Ornamental foliage and flower motifs
- Decorative patterns reminiscent of the natural world
- The use of new materials like iron, glass, and ceramics
- The integration of decoration with function
- The use of bright, bold colors
- New approaches to typography and graphic design