Art Nouveau (or Modernism)

We explain what Art Nouveau is, its characteristics, architecture and most representative works. Also, Art Nouveau in Mexico.

What is Art Nouveau?

Art Nouveau (from the French for “new art”) was a renewal artistic movement that appeared in Europe during the fin de siècle period (fin de siècle in French) and the belle époque (which means “the beautiful era”) that is, between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, and it manifested itself in painting, sculpture, architecture, graphic arts, decorative arts and all types of design (interior design, fashion design and so on).

This movement It was characterized by the rejection of the neoclassicist style and the romantic style. Instead he proposed sinuous shapes, fluid and organic designs inspired by the natural world, with curved, dynamic and asymmetric lines and the use of modern materials such as iron, glass and ceramics.

Other names for the same movement, depending on the country, were Jugendstil in Germany, Nieuwe Kunst in Netherlands, Sezessionstil in Austria, Modern Style in UK, Liberty style either Floreale in Italy and Modernism in Spain (which is not the so-called modern movement).

All these terms point to the idea of ​​a “new”, original and modern art, far from the traditions of academicism (historicism or eclecticism) and in a very different sense than that pointed out by realism or impressionism.

Art Nouveau proposed not only an artistic language related to the spirit of a new historical moment, but also all a new conception of art marked by vitality, freedom and individual creativity. It erased the hierarchies between “fine arts” and crafts, decoration or design. I was looking for a total art (Gesamtkunstwerk).

He argued that any discipline that involved creative work could bring beauty to everyday life. In Art Nouveau, household objects (dishes, lamps, furniture, etc.) were elevated to beautiful pieces of design, with the idea that beauty was everywhere and within the reach of all people, and not only of elites or wealthy groups.

At the same time, opposed the mass production of depersonalized and standardized objects due to the growing industrialization processes. One of the fundamental principles of Art Nouveau was to fill daily life with artistic value through unique, special pieces, created by the hand of an artist.

In this sense, industrialization was very convenient, since innovation in materials facilitated the availability of elements such as wrought iron, glass, wood, leather, aluminum and reinforced concrete for the creation of a new, widely accessible aesthetic language.

• See also: Symbolism

Characteristics of Art Nouveau

Rejection of the coldness of the industrial age

Art Nouveau was born just after the Industrial Revolution. As a result of the rejection of the hardness, coldness and flattening of industrialization, he placed the center on nature, the human being and the universe of symbols.

This inspiration, when combined with the use of new industrial materials (such as steel and glass), resulted in a unique contrast, with an indelible influence on the history of art and design.

Strong inspiration in nature, the exotic and the spiritual world

Art Nouveau sought inspiration in motifs from nature, especially floral ones, which coexisted with mythological allegories and symbols related to femininity, duality and the universe of the divine.

Preference for curved lines and asymmetry

Art Nouveau was characterized by the almost total absence of right angles and by its special preference for sinuous and organic lines, as well as stylized forms, closer to theatrical representations than realistic ones.

Fascination with sensual, exotic and feminine motifs

Some recurring themes of Art Nouveau were oriental and Islamic designs with arabesques, geometric patterns and calligraphy, as well as elegant and delicate female figures.

He also explored themes related to love and desire, as well as the use of organic and sensual forms that represent the human body in a naturalized way.

Innovation in artistic techniques

Art Nouveau took advantage of the technological advances of the industrial era for the production of furniture and decorative objects, stained glass windows and artificial lighting lamps.

The development of mechanical reproduction with color photography and lithography allowed the printing of illustrations, posters, magazines, catalogues, etc.

Disappearance of the hierarchy between “major” and “minor” arts

Art Nouveau eliminated the difference between the arts considered “major” or “noble” (such as painting and sculpture) and the “minor” or “applied” arts (such as ceramics, textile design, and interior design).

These hierarchies, established according to uses (“elevated” or “utilitarian”), did not make sense for Art Nouveau, which aspired to the integration of art in all aspects of life, from great architectural works to elements of everyday use.

Art Nouveau artists

Some of the most representative artists of Art Nouveau were:

• Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926). He was a Spanish architect, the main exponent of Catalan modernism (Art Nouveau). He understood architecture as a total art and integrated the participation of blacksmiths, stained glass artists and sculptors into his works.

  His work, which sought a harmonious integration with the environment, was characterized by the abundance of organic, sinuous and asymmetrical forms. He experimented with various materials and incorporated the technique of trencadis (mosaic made from fragmented ceramics or tiles.

• Alfons Mucha (1860-1939). He was a Czech painter and sculptor, as well as an engraver and master of illustration and graphic design. He rose to fame thanks to his extensive collaboration with the actress Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923).

  Her work, characterized by her vibrantly colored posters, elegant representations of the female figure and floral elements, became a reference for artists and designers around the world.

• Gustav Klimt (1862-1918). He was an Austrian painter and one of the main artists of the movement. His paintings, full of symbolism and sensuality, are characterized by their particular use of gold, their floral ornaments and their stylized female figures.
• René Lalique (1860-1945). He was a French goldsmith, jeweler and glassmaker, considered one of the greatest representatives of Art Nouveau. He made goldsmithing a great art through his organic style and his masterful use of materials such as semi-precious stones and glass. With this element he created unique creations thanks to experimentation and the creation of techniques such as patination and satin.
• Aubrey Beardsley (1872-1898). He was an English illustrator and graphic designer. His provocative linear-style illustrations, stylized figures, and satirical themes generated scandal in his time.

Art Nouveau Painting

Art Nouveau painting he rebelled against the rigidity and formality of academicism in favor of greater creative freedom. The painters sought to transmit emotions and sensuality, as well as dreamlike and extravagant imaginary states through organic shapes, sinuous and stylized lines, floral motifs, an intense color palette and an innovative use of plastic techniques.

Some famous Art Nouveau paintings are:

• Illustrations for the work Salome by Oscar Wilde (1894), by Audrey Beardsley
• Illustrations for the novel (own) under the hill (1895), by Audrey Beardsley
• Spring (1896), by Alfons Mucha
• Zodiac (1896), by Alfons Mucha
• The kiss (1907-1908), by Gustav Klimt

• It may help you: Paint

Art Nouveau Sculpture

Sculpture was not a discipline especially cultivated in Art Nouveau independently, since Its production was almost entirely put at the service of architecture mainly to the ornament of facades, columns or walls.

An iconic example of this is the relief sculptures of Park Güell (1900-1903) and La Sagrada Familia (1882-present), both works by Antoni Gaudí.

There are, however, some exceptions to sculpture independent of architecture, such as the following:

• The Lady of Snakes (1895), by René Lalique
• Woman with lilies (1902), by Alfons Mucha and Auguste Seysses

• It may help you: Sculpture

Art Nouveau Applied Arts

The applied arts played a central role in Art Nouveau, which sought to raise the aesthetic level of everyday objects and turn all aspects of daily life into art.

Art Nouveau artists stood out in the creation of furniture, stained glass, lamps, jewelry and ceramic objects with a unique style, characterized by the harmony between the beauty of their forms and their functional aspect.

They were looking for new forms of expression and inspiration. The floral, organic and sinuous figures were a constant as well as experimentation with materials such as wrought iron, glass, ceramics and metal. As a result, Art Nouveau artists made mass-produced objects into beautiful pieces of art and design.

Some notable works of Art Nouveau applied arts are:

• Vase (1885), by Olivier de Sorra
• Cabinet-showcase (1899), by Gustave Serrurier-Bovy
• side chair (1899), by Edward Colonna
• Milk jug (1899), by Alexandre Bigot

Art Nouveau Architecture

Art Nouveau in architecture represented an important break with European tradition: it abandoned the church and the palace and It was dedicated to the plaza, the museum, the home, the theater or the office building.

The basic idea was that architecture had to face a new beginning, which implied the more efficient use of traditional materials, such as stone, brick and wood, and the incorporation of new elements such as cast iron, glass and metal. cement.

Art Nouveau works of architecture responded to the notion of a total work of art, so buildings were designed with the intention of generating a harmonious and complete aesthetic experience, involving several artistic disciplines.

Some of the most representative architectural works of Art Nouveau are:

• Casa Batlló (1906), by Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926)
• The Tassel Hotel (1893), by Victor Horta (1861-1947)
• The building of the Prague Central Train Station (1906), by Josef Fanta (1856-1954)
• House of Lilies (1905), by Eduardo Rodríguez Ortega (1831-1938)
• Casa Milà (1910), by Antoni Gaudí

• It may help you: Architecture

Art Nouveau in Mexico

Art Nouveau He arrived in Mexico during the Porfiriato (1876-1911), as part of the society's attempts at the time to modernize aesthetically and connect with its European industrial investors.

Its impact was notable on the architecture of Mexico City where it had to coexist with the traditional neoclassical of most of the constructions. Many buildings, although they retained the neoclassical style on their facades, modified their interior design based on the decorative, floral and organic style of Art Nouveau.

Some of the most famous Art Nouveau buildings in Mexico are:

• The Grand Hotel of Mexico City (1896-1897), by Jacques Gruber (1870-1936)
• The Iron Palace building in Mexico City (1918-1921), by Paul Dubois (1874-1953)
• The Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City (1934), by Adamo Boari (1863-1928) and Federico Mariscal (1829-1905)

References

• Aubrey Beardsley – decadence & desire. (sf). Victoria and Albert Museum. https://www.vam.ac.uk/
• Fahr-Becker, G., Aston, P., Chitty, R., & Williams, K. (2007). Art nouveau. Ullmann/Tandem Verlag
• Femme aux lys – Alphonse Mucha | Musee d'Orsay. (sf). www.musee-Orsay.fr. https://www.musee-orsay.fr/
• Gontar, C. (2006, October). Art nouveau. Metmuseum.org. https://www.metmuseum.org/
• Lahor, J. (2012). Art nouveau. Parkstone International.