Vintage art nouveau style oval picture frame. This very decorative picture frame is in the art nouveau style. Probably made from a resin / or moulded wood. It has a period print of mother and daughter included.  Obviously it can be changed.
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Size: The picture is 9 cm wide 14 cm tall
Frame is 16 cm wide 29 cm tall
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Art Nouveau, meaning "New Art," flourished from the late 1880s to the First World War, emphasizing organic, flowing lines and nature-inspired motifs, aiming to unify fine and applied arts for a holistic aesthetic experience.
Here's a more detailed look at the Art Nouveau movement:
Origins and Influences:
Reaction to Industrialization:
Art Nouveau emerged as a reaction against the perceived decline of craftsmanship and the rise of mass-produced goods during the Industrial Revolution.
Arts and Crafts Movement:
The Arts and Crafts movement, championed by William Morris, played a crucial role in shaping the Art Nouveau aesthetic, emphasizing handcrafted quality and natural forms.
Japanese Influence:
The introduction of Japanese art, particularly woodblock prints, with their emphasis on organic forms and natural imagery, significantly influenced Art Nouveau artists.
Botanical Studies:
Botanical illustrations and studies of nature, including those by Ernst Heinrich Haeckel, provided inspiration for the sinuous lines and organic forms characteristic of Art Nouveau.
Symbolism and Post-Impressionism:
Art Nouveau also drew inspiration from Symbolism and Post-Impressionism, with artists seeking to evoke emotion and create a sense of mystery and beauty.
Key Characteristics:
Organic Forms:
Art Nouveau is characterized by its use of flowing, sinuous lines, often inspired by plants, flowers, and natural forms.
Whiplash Curves:
A distinctive feature of Art Nouveau is the use of "whiplash" curves, which evoke a sense of movement and energy.
Natural Motifs:
Flowers, leaves, vines, and other natural elements are frequently incorporated into Art Nouveau designs.
Emphasis on Decoration:
Art Nouveau places a strong emphasis on decoration, with intricate patterns and ornamentation adorning everything from buildings to jewelry and posters.
Integration of Arts:
Art Nouveau aimed to unify all forms of art, from architecture and interior design to graphic arts and applied arts, creating a "total work of art".
Art Nouveau in Different Countries:
France:
Art Nouveau, or "Art Nouveau," was a major force in France, with artists like Alphonse Mucha and Hector Guimard making significant contributions.
Germany:
The movement was known as "Jugendstil" (Youth Style) in Germany, with artists like Peter Behrens and Hermann Obrist creating iconic posters and designs.
Austria:
In Austria, Art Nouveau was called "Secession," with artists like Gustav Klimt and Josef Hoffmann embracing the movement's principles.
Spain:
Catalan Modernism, particularly the work of Antoni Gaudí, is closely related to Art Nouveau, with its distinctive architecture and decorative designs.
Other Countries:
Art Nouveau also influenced art and design in other countries, including Belgium, Italy, and the United States, with each region developing its own unique variations of the style.
Examples of Art Nouveau:
Architecture: Hôtel Tassel in Brussels (Victor Horta), Casa Batlló in Barcelona (Antoni Gaudí), and the entrances to the Paris Métro (Hector Guimard).
Graphic Design: Posters by Alphonse Mucha, Aubrey Beardsley, and Jules Chéret.
Jewelry: Jewelry designs by René Lalique.
Glassware: Art Nouveau glass by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
Furniture: Art Nouveau furniture designs by Paul Hankar and Henry van de Velde.