Art Nouveau (1890-1910)

The Tessle House, Brussels, Victor Horta

Art Nouveau was born at the turn of the 20th century when Europe was in a period of peace and prosperity. This economic growth allowed designers and artists to experiment in various areas of design; and with this new freedom, came the rejection of previous academic models. Artists now found their inspirations from Japanese art and paintings of the decade.  The beginnings of these movements were found throughout Belgium and France.

Dragonfly Pitcher, Emile Galle

This up-and-coming style still rejected the Victorian styles like the Arts and Crafts movement, but it supported the use of modern techniques to create and assemble. There was also the inclusion of modern materials like iron and glass and the incorporation of electric lighting. Curvilinear forms were also a dominant form throughout Art Nouveau. Some of the defining features were the use of decorative ornamentation, paintings, and sculptures.

Art Nouveau in Belgium:

  

One of the most prominent artists in Belgium was Victor Horta. An architect and designer, he was known for his use of enivornmental motiffs, unique iron railings, and stenciled walls and ceilings. It was typical of him to use mosaic patterns on the floors, ceilings, and walls as well. Horta also preferred a more asymmetrical symmetry.

   

Another renowned designer was Henry van de Velde. He was designer of the shop L'Art Nouveau that was owned by Samuel Bing in Paris. His works were the beginning of the bridge between the continental art in England and the United States.

Art Nouveau in France: 

  

In France, Hector Guimard made many strides in the Art Nouveau world. Some of his most famous works are the metro entrance signs and detail elements. He was also designed fireplace mantels, window and door trims, and tiles; all which would be considered decorative pieces. 

Art Nouveau in Spain: 

In Spain, Antoni Gaudi took reign of the Art Nouveau style with his projects like Casa Batllo. This was an especially unique piece because of its bold design, colors, and architectural elements. It displayed Gaudi's use of flowing curves and unusual decorative elements like the "scales" on the roof.

Art Nouveau in the United States:

While Art Nouveau had become very popular in European countries it did not make such an impact on the population over in the United States. Most of these works were confined to the designs of Tiffany and Sullivan.

Current Applications:

     

Other Blogs:

I looked at Justine's blog and I really like how she found separate images to represent how Art Nouveau was displayed in each country. I was a good way to display the information because you could see the similarities and differences in the styles between each country.

I also read Megan Y's blog and I also like how she addressed each country that Art Nouveau influenced but also brought attention to the most prominent artists of the period in those countries.

Additional Links!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4luPnObQYo

Arts and Crafts Movement (1860-1930)

Sunflower, 1879, William Morris

The Arts and Crafts movement was a creation of the rebellion against two opposing factors: the Industrial Revolution and the Victorian period. This reform movement was heavily based off of the ideals of its designers and artists focused on a industrialized world. They wanted to bring back the appreciation of craftsmanship. While the movement originally began in England in the 1860's, a second wave of designers influenced beginning in 1910.

There are eight major characteristics that can be applied to the style of Arts and Crafts. Everything is handmade (this mostly applied to English craftsman ship), the wood joints are visible, there are undertones of Medieval/Gothic designs, there was influence of shaker furniture, there is a predominate use of oak, the designs are simple and true, the furniture is very heavy in appearance, and there are large exposed hinges.

William Morris Arm Chair Design

One of the key influences in the Arts and Crafts movement was William Morris (1834-1896). His company Morris, Marshall & Faulkner, produced a series of renowned works that included church decor, stained glass, textiles, and furniture. His pieces were an inspiration to the formation of craft guilds. Morris was not only a designer and business man but he was also very well educated as a writer and a poet. 

Red House, 1959, Philip Webb

Some of the other main contributors of the British arts and crafts movement included the English architect and designer, Philip Webb. He was began his practice in 1859 and one of his first projects was the Red House for the Morris family. He constructed many country homes and one of his signature moves was the use of paneling painted white wood. He and Morris joined forces because Webb, too, was against the industrial revolution as well as commercialism. 

Other influence designers in first wave of the arts and crafts period included Rosessti and Godwin. When the movement reached America, artists such as Voysey, Mackintosh, Lutyens, and the Greene brothers came to the forefront. 

Modern Applications

Heavy application of wood throughout.

Heavy use of floral textiles and wood throughout.

A modern take on Voysey's The Orchard.

Other Blogs

I read Alex's blog on the Arts and Crafts Movement and I really like how she broke down the sections individually to focus on each section. I really liked her modern applications section because she was able to find modern twists and different pieces of furniture from the time period like the Mackintosh chair.

I also read Flor's blog and I like how she brought up images of renovated homes that were part of the arts and crafts movement as well. I really liked the Lily Pulitzer take of the William Morris floral designs. 

Additional Links!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYjNO2Y4m6c