What is Art Nouveau?
Art Nouveau (literally ‘new art’) is a decorative style from roughly 1890–1910, characterised by organic, flowing lines inspired by natural forms such as plants, flowers and insects. In Germany and Austria the style is known as Jugendstil.
Characteristics
Art Nouveau architecture is recognisable by:
- Organic lines — sinuous, asymmetrical forms reminiscent of stems, tendrils and waves
- Nature motifs — flowers, leaves, dragonflies, butterflies and female figures
- Wrought-iron details — balconies, railings and canopies with elaborate scrollwork
- Stained glass — colourful windows with floral motifs
- Glazed tiles — ceramic wall tiles with plant designs
- Asymmetry — a deliberate departure from the traditional symmetrical facade layout
Notable architects
- Victor Horta — Hôtel Tassel in Brussels, one of the first Art Nouveau buildings
- Hector Guimard — the Paris Métro stations
- Antoni Gaudí — Casa Batlló and Casa Milà in Barcelona
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh — Glasgow School of Art
Application
Art Nouveau can be found at:
- Townhouses — especially in cities like Brussels, Paris, Vienna and Riga
- Shopfronts — ornate display windows with curved glazing
- Stations and public buildings — entrances and waiting areas with decorative elements
- Interiors — stair rails, lamps, furniture and wallpaper
Related terms
- Art Deco
- Jugendstil
- Building style
- Ornament
- Wrought iron
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.