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/