Art Nouveau is a style that is mainly recognized by its curved lines. This artistic movement was born at the beginning of the twentieth century to counteract the excesses of industrialisation. This style has evolved over the last decades. Nevertheless, Art Nouveau remains true to its unique characteristics.
What is Art Nouveau?
The Modern style or Art Nouveau appeared towards the end of the 19th century. As you already know, this style suddenly emerged in the 20th century in order to limit the excesses of the industrial revolution. Indeed, the old styles were reproduced in an industrial way at that time. The artists of the time quickly understood the dangers of excessive industrialisation and reacted accordingly. Indeed, the movement soon developed worldwide thanks to the work of artists from different countries. There is Louis Comfort Tiffany in the USA, Jugendstil in Germany, Nieuwe Kunst in the Netherlands, Stile Liberty in Italy, Modern in Russia, Sapin style in Switzerland, Sezessionstil in Austria and Modernismo in Spain. A little anecdote, you should know that the name Art Nouveau was massively imposed in the United Kingdom at the beginning of the 20th century.
Evolution of Modern art
The Art Nouveau movement evolved in three major stages. The first period is marked by Greenhalgh who came to public attention between 1893 and 1895. Then there is a period during which the movement develops rapidly and enters the various cultural circles. This period was between 1895 and 1900. And the third period is characterised by the stability of the movement. Art Nouveau suffered much criticism and disappeared during the First World War. After the 1920s, the Modern Art style became less and less appreciated and criticism of it increased. It was gradually replaced by art deco.
Characteristics of Art Nouveau
Modern art is an artistic movement with a richness of character. It is recognisable by common characteristics. However, all artists have their own approaches and do not necessarily use the same themes. The basic themes used in Modern art are curved lines, asymmetry, nature and women. Indeed, in a work of Modern art, women are often represented. She can be mysterious, ethereal or a symbol of nature. As far as nature is concerned, it is considered a representation of modernity in the 19th century. Nature is thus very much exploited in Art Nouveau.