Art Nouveau

“Art Nouveau” which literally means “New Art” in French is a movement which began in 1890 and lasted till 1910. During a time where academic art i.e. to study lines, shapes, form and structure in a painting was the norm, a group of artists did not agree with academic art and moved away from imitation of real subjects. They thought art is a feeling ebbing and flowing through the soul, curves around sensibility with its decorative beauty. These thoughts were the reason to start the movement “Art Nouveau”.

The European Artists gathered inspiration from the flowing lines, floral and bulbous forms in wood-block prints by Japanese artists. The paintings are also inspired by both organic and geometric forms which results in flowing and natural elements in the paintings. Swirling lines and whiplash curves are commonly seen in the paintings. There was progress in the movement which resulted in graphic art, catalogues, advertisements. This movement innovated interior design and architecture. Tiffany’s stained glass paintings were very famous. Entrances to Paris subway stations has Art Nouveau styles.

Artists such as AH MackMurdo, Aubrey Beardsley, Gustav Klimt, Alphonse Mucha have created beautiful Art Nouveau Paintings. Some of the famous paintings are:

Wren's city churches cover design by A.H. MackMurdo in 1883

The Peacock Skirt by Aubrey Beardsley in 1894

Zodiac by Alphonse Mucha in 1896

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt in 1908

Although in its limited life, art nouveau was influential in various styles during 1960s and 1970s. Art Nouveau is known to be the responsible art which interlinks decorative art, applied art, ornamental art and fine arts.

References: theartstory.org, art movements dossier in Echo, goodbye-art academy, visual arts history.com