The Design of The Art Nouveau Movement

In this essay, I will be discussing the characteristics and historical context of the movement known as Art Nouveau, which flourished between 1890 until 1914. This movement can be defined as a philosophy that was in favor of applied aesthetics to everyday objects that everbody used. The line between art and function is blurred.

Art Nouveau welcomes into its folds the infinite variety of interpretations as well as a new language of graphic design, distancing itself as far as possible from classical paradigms. How Art Nouveau came to be is still shrouded in mystery. Nevertheless, most art historians assume that it hailed from the British Arts and Crafts Movement, led by William Morris. The art movement finds its roots in Japonism, Synthetism (Gaugain) and Cloisonnism (Bernard, Anquetin).

Popular motifs associated with Art Nouveau are the floral designs and curvaceous forms of female silhouettes. Form, texture, space and colour are all overwhelmed by the decorative effect of line. Geometric forms are suddenly consumed by organic lines, creating a fusion between structure and ornament. Art Nouveau employed flat decorative patterns, typically leaf, tendril motifs and intertwined organic forms which could be used in all art forms. Zoomorphs like insects and birds, as well as hair were typically depicted by Art Nouveau. However, right angled shapes still predominated the Scottish and Austrian variations.

Sheer designs inspired by insect physiology.

Art Nouveau designers sought to restore good skill, lift the standing of craft and fabricate genuine design. Since the academic system saw  painting and sculpture media as superior to craftwork, lack of good craftsmanship became an inevitable consequence. Art Nouveau designers looked to overturn such belief. By the 19th century they followed a belief that an object’s function should dictate its form. This sort of principle borrows inspiration from Gothic Revival, influencing later movements of Modernism and Bauhaus. For example, the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi’s designs featured exaggerated bulbous forms and the Parisian Metro entrances of Hector Guimard (1867-1942) offered new stylistic designs.

Casa batlo, designed by Antonni Gaudi

A few examples of female figures
drawn by art nouveau artists.

Romanticism, the Pre-Raphaelites, the Symbolists and the Arts and Craft movement all inspired Art Nouveau in different ways. Taking Arts and Craft movement as an example, Art Nouveau artists willingly made use of the new industrialized machines and materials. Although Art Nouveau designs were common in glassware, jewellery and ceramics but it also flourished in silver, furniture posters and textiles. It also found its way in theatrical set design. The best examples of such designs are the ones created by Leon Bakst (1866-1924) and Alexander Benois (1870-1960) for Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes. Having a strong impact on architecture and interior design, it exemplified a humanistic approach to the urban environment. Hyperbolas and parabolas suddenly became more frequent in architecture. Designers switched from the abstract Rococo flames and shells to the stylized organic forms, thus expanding the motifs of nature, while still making use of naked iron and irregularly shaped glass.

A Poster from the 1880's, which still
makes use of straight lines and right angles.

References

Encyclopedia Britannica. (2016). Art Nouveau | artistic style. [online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/art/Art-Nouveau [Accessed 8 Dec. 2016].

Micheline's Blog. (2016). Mary Cassatt: an Intimate Japonisme. [online] Available at: https://michelinewalker.com/2013/07/16/mary-cassat-an-intimate-japonisme/ [Accessed 27 Dec. 2016].

Nga.gov. (2016). Art Nouveau, 1890-1914. [online] Available at: http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/exhibitions/2000/nouveau.html [Accessed 13 Dec. 2016].

The Art Story. (2016). Art Nouveau Movement, Artists and Major Works. [online] Available at: http://www.theartstory.org/movement-art-nouveau.htm [Accessed 8 Dec. 2016].

Visual-arts-cork.com. (2016). Art Nouveau Design: Characteristics, History, Artists. [online] Available at: http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/history-of-art/art-nouveau.htm [Accessed 8 Dec. 2016].