Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau is a French phrase that means "new art".  This period took place from 1890-1910, just ten years after the Arts and Crafts Movement.  Art Nouveau was a time of economic growth and supported new and experimental directions of designs compared to the Arts and Crafts period.  One of the most important factors of this time was that Art Nouveau rejected academic models and traditional design.  Japanese art became a popular style and was used by artists such as Van Gogh, Edvard Munch, Gauguin and Aubrey Beardsley. 

Art Nouveau in Belgium
Many countries were effected by Art Nouveau but Belgium and France were the leaders of the movement.  Victor Horta, a Belgian architect and designer, was a major influence of art.  He used conventional architectural motifs, unique iron railings, stenciled walls and ceilings and mosaic tile patterns.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Henry Van de Velde was also a Belgian practitioner.  He designed his own house in 1894 as well as many other furniture pieces, cookware and table silver. 

Henry Van de Velde's house
 

Art Nouveau in France

Hector Guimard was the most significant figure in Paris.  He used decorative elements that could be reproduced for sale as products.  I'd have to say that Guimard's most well known and popular success was the Metro Subway Station.  He designed the entrance kiosks and detail elements making them tie in with nature.

Art Nouveau in Spain
Antoni Gaudi was a dominate figure in Barcelona, Spain.  Like the other architects and designers, he used flowing curves and unusual decorative details.  Casa Batllo was a significant building for Gaudi.

 

 

 

Here is video you should take a few minutes to watch!!

 

 

Current Applications:

 

Discussion:

 

Rachael's blog, like myself, talked about the difference and similarities between the Art Nouveau period and the Arts and Crafts period.  She really focused on the iron work and details of this movement and showed them throughout her pictures.  I also looked at Nichole's blog.  I learned all of the different terms that "Art Nouveau" goes by depending on the country.  I also like how she used different images that most other blogs that I read. It allowed me to become more interested in what she was saying.

 

You can view their blogs here:

Rachael: http://history2rap.blogspot.com/

Nichole: http://history2nk.blogspot.com/



Arts & Crafts Movement

This period in history took place between 1860 - 1910.  It started in England by William Morris with the hopes of being a movement of ideals.  The Arts and Crafts movement had 8 major characteristics of the arts and crafts. Morris' work focused on stained glass, textiles, church decoration and furniture.

Here is a compilation of some of Morris' designs and textiles.  The Morris chair was one of his most well known pieces.

 



Philip Webb worked for Morris, Marshall and Faulkner and designed the Morris Chair.  This chair was simple with a solid wood frame, and had loose cushions for the seat and back.  Webb's designs were generally done in a Medieval design.

Some of the most well known cabinetmakers are Godwin, Voysey and Stickley.  Voysey combined Gothic and Japanese details and Stickley inspired the arts and craft movement in the US. 

Stickley Style Interior

Voysey Chairs



The later period of the Art and Crafts Movement consisted of simple constructional elements, unusual furniture and details of lighting and metalwork and painted ornamental elements.  Charles Rennie Mackintosh was a Scottish architect and designer who introduced exaggerated proportions.  His furniture used simple, geometric forms, violet, silver and gold colors and extreme high back chairs.  The Glasglow School of Art was his most important building of his career.

Interior view of Mackintosh's Glasgow School of Art

Here are some current applications of Arts and Crafts style Interiors

 

 

Check out this video that goes into more depth about the movement!!!

 

 

Discussion:

 

Megan Yee's blog interested me because it was a great summary of this era.  I like how she clearly described the important influences of this time and show the difference of the style in her pictures.  Flor's blog grabbed my attention through all of her pictures and the video she posted.  Her blog is very easy to follow and understand the style that appeared during this time.

 

You can view their blogs here:

Megan Y: http://history2mcy.blogspot.com/

Flor: http://history2fh.blogspot.com/