Art Nouveau

Overview:Art Nouveau was one of the first 20th Century modern style. Inspiration came from the natural world and what was seen around them rather than looking back to history. The style was first showcased in Paris and then in London receiving mixed feedback. People either hated it or loved it. Two distinctive looks are apparent within the style: curvy lines and florals.    

Characteristics and Styles:Similar to the Arts and Craft movement they believed in good quality goods and fine craftsman ship and disagreed with mass production. The Art Nouveau was highly characterised by a number of aspects:- elongated, curvy lines,
- stylised flowers, leaves, roots, buds and seed pods
- the female form, long flowing hair- exotic woods, marquetry, iridescent glass, silver and semi-precious stones

3 Key Pieces:

Charles Rennie Mackintosh Rose and Tear Drop Fabric 1923

Emile Galle Gilt-decorated Glass Vase 1895



Louis Comfort Tiffany Garden Landscape & Fountain 1905

3 Key People:
Charles Rennie Mackintosh: Main representative of Art Nouveau in the UK and was a Scottish Architect, furniture and jewellery designer. He was a huge influenced on European design. His first major building was the Glasgow Herald Building in 1899. After completing several successful building designs he became a partner in Honeyman and Keppie. When economic hardships hit Mackintosh took to Suffolk where he created many floral watercolours.   

Emille Galle: Galle was the son of a furniture manufacturer He specialised in ceramics, glass and furniture designer. His career took off when he received praise from the Paris Exhibition of 1878. Galle reached international fame with his naturalism and floral style. 

Louis Comfort Tiffany: American artist and designer whom specialised in: lighting, tiles, glass and ceramics. He started out as a painter nut became interested in glass making which is what he is best known for. Tiffany began making a name for himself in interior design and was even commissioned by the president to redo the East Room, Blue Room, Red Room, State Dining Room and Entrance Hall  in the White House he added mantelpieces, stained galls and decorative patterns.

World at the Time:1859 The Origin of the Species is written by Charles Darwin, 1865 War and Peace is written by Tolstoy, 1867 Disraeli is prime minister, 1899 aspirin is first marketed, 1901 Marconi transmits first radio signals across the Atlantic.