Art Nouveau

Between 1890 – 1910 a new aesthetic movement flourished in both the United States and Europe. This style separated itself from the academic styles of the time by introducing flowing lines and nature. Art Nouveau stands out with its sinuous lines, depictions of flowers or vines, and often an asymmetry that gives the art piece a sense of movement and flow. This aesthetic is seen in both graphical art and architecture. The linework is apparent in graphical art and stands out even when incorporated into a greater form or shape. When used in architecture the style causes pillars and supports to curve and bend, and is often applied ornamentally on windows and walls.

Examples of Art Nouveau:

Horta Museum Staircase

Victor Horta was a true pioneer of Art Nouveau. His work makes up the title image of this post, and also many of the most popular works of this style. The metal banister is bent into curving, almost symmetrical, organic shapes. The stained glass windows above share the style with movement and curves. The atmosphere created is light and airy, bringing a sense of beauty and nature indoors. His work with metal and wood creates a clean cut and flowing atmosphere.

Dining Room Woodwork

Alexandre Charpentier brings the style of Art Nouveau again to interior design but also furniture. This room is displayed inside the Musée d’Orsay as the only surviving decor created by the artist. Here the style is applied to make the walls and ceiling supports feel ornate, and the walls are lined with varying forms of flowers that protrude dramatically. The wall mounted desks are framed in large natural arcs that are not chaotic but rather purposeful. This is also a good show of how this style of art can be used in functional peices similar to the railings.

Planter + Dining Room Woodwork

Located in the same display as Alexandre Charpentier’s woodwork, this planter by Alexandre Bigot matches the aesthetic exactly. With purposeful but natural lines and curves the piece is natural and sweeping. The inlayed designs have abnormal geometry but are simple in form, and leave room for more intricacy in the corners and edges. 

Pimpernel

This wallpaper was designed by William Norris. It has small shapes of flowers and leaves that are placed asymmetrically. However the underlying lines and curves of the leaves and stalks with large flowers are symmetric. Because of the subtle asymmetry the design becomes flowing and natural, but is very controlled in its symmetry. This piece is very busy and organic, but keeps strong features throughout so that it is still appealing at a glance.

Maxim’s Pub, Paris

This world famous restaurant is heavily clad with with detailed aesthetics of Art Nouveau. The mirrors and shelves are curved and abnormal, there are strong lines running along the walls in both wood carving and metal cladding, and the ceiling above has intricate patterns in lines of plants. This style of art fits into many types of buildings and environments, never failing to keep the spaces it occupies ornate and interesting.

Sources:

Boiserie de Salle à Manger. Boiserie de salle à manger – Alexandre Charpentier | Musée d’Orsay. (n.d.). https://www.musee-orsay.fr/fr/oeuvres/boiserie-de-salle-manger-19114

Centre, U. W. H. (n.d.). Major town houses of the architect Victor Horta (Brussels). UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Document. https://whc.unesco.org/en/documents/131253

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2025, January 19). Art deco. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/art/Art-Deco