Lately, I've been infatuated with Art Nouveau, "a style of decorative art, architecture, and design prominent in western Europe and the U.S. from about 1890 until World War I and characterized by intricate linear designs and flowing curves based on natural forms" (Oxford American Dictionary, 2008). Overall, it kind of grew out of the Arts and Crafts movement, which was a return to medieval craftsmanship and design, as well as a newfound appreciation for natural forms. In France, the Art Nouveau movement is attributed to the decline in the standards of the decorative arts of France; it was seen as a kind of revitalization of the arts. It was also inspired by the end of Japanese seclusion in 1854.
Art Nouveau exploded at the 1889 Universal Exhibition (to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the French Revolution) which was a "look what France has got" kind of thing. Speaking of France, it may be said that Art Nouveau was essentially native to France with little influence from abroad -- except, of course, for that of Japanese art.
And, really, I find it incredibly beautiful. Alphonse Mucha's posters (pictured) are outstanding. Indeed, Art Nouveau is known for its posters!
2 comments:
*sigh* Art nerds...
Just kidding, Galgen, you make me giggle. In a good way.
Q,
Just so you know, art history is so intriguing to me because it reflects the whole of human history -- what's in fashion, in style, more importantly WHY. Art's so profound in that sense; it sums up the times in only a few visual devices.
(I'm LONGING to enroll in a humanities class.)
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