Vintage art nouveau style pewter picture frame. This lovely glass front and velvet backed picture frame is adorned with flower decorations. Very popular in the art nouveau period.
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Size: 14 cm wide 19 cm tall
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Art Nouveau was an international style that flourished from the 1890s until the First World War, characterized by its organic, flowing lines, and emphasis on natural forms and ornamentation. It emerged as a reaction against the academic art and industrial designs of the late 19th century, seeking to unify the fine and applied arts into a "total work of art". Key influences include the Arts and Crafts movement, Japanese art, and the natural world, with prominent examples found in architecture, decorative arts, graphic design, and illustration. Key Aspects of Art Nouveau History:
Origins:
Art Nouveau's roots lie in the Arts and Crafts movement, which championed craftsmanship and traditional techniques in response to industrialization.
International Scope:
While originating in Britain, the style spread rapidly across Europe, influencing architecture, decorative arts, and graphic design in countries like France, Belgium, Spain, and beyond.
Characteristics:
Art Nouveau is defined by its flowing, asymmetrical lines, often described as "whiplash curves," and its use of natural motifs like flowers, plants, and insects.
Key Figures:
Notable artists associated with Art Nouveau include Victor Horta, Antoni Gaudí, Alphonse Mucha, and Émile Gallé.
Decline:
Art Nouveau's popularity declined with the rise of Art Deco and Modernism in the 1920s, although its influence on design continues to be recognized.
Legacy:
Art Nouveau's emphasis on beauty, craftsmanship, and the integration of art into everyday life continues to inspire artists and designers today.
Specific Examples:
Architecture:
Hector Guimard's entrances to the Paris Métro are iconic examples of Art Nouveau architecture.
Decorative Arts:
Émile Gallé's glasswork and Louis Comfort Tiffany's lamps are renowned examples of Art Nouveau decorative arts.
Graphic Design:
Alphonse Mucha's posters for theatrical productions and advertisements are classic examples of Art Nouveau graphic design.
Catalan Modernism:
Antoni Gaudí's architectural works in Barcelona, such as the Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló, represent a distinct Catalan version of Art Nouveau.