End of 19th Century. Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau

The break away from traditional styles of art, which started in Vienna. Art nouveau expressed inner feelings, it was a playful new style of painting which went against the typical strict and normal style of accurate realist paintings which had gone before it. Expressionism and symbolism were something which art nouveau represented. The modern art style explored sexuality which was possibly something which came as a shock to the public in comparison to the art which had gone before it. The first artists who created Art Nouveau could almost be considered as "artistic rebels".

The history of art nouveau -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O34YVQsFiWY

"A new art, for a new century."

Alphonse Mucha

http://artnouveaustyle.tumblr.com/archive

Alphonse Mucha was one of the most popular artist during the time of art nouveau. He was a czech artist who created paitnings, illustrations and advertisements. His work is a brilliant example of the typically known characteristics of art nouveau. This art style however, was slightly different in different countries. 

Typical characteristics of art nouveau was the influence of nature. Shapes and colours were influenced by nature and the botanical form. flowers, plants and intertwining shapes stand obvious in most Art Nouveau pieces. Avoiding geometric shapes was something which art nouveau follows. As you can see in both of these examples by Alphonse Mucha, the shapes are mostly circular.

In my own opinion these circular shapes really represent that feeling of expression through a painting. Looking at the unusual shapes gives a feeling of movement and freedom.

I translated the text on this image and it words:

"Paris cigarettes are the best"

This gives an example of the type of advertisements which were around during the times of art nouveau, something which Alphonse Mucha is very well known for creating. The style of art was so popular during these times that more than just paintings to hang on a wall had an influence of art nouveau. The style of art aimed to make everything art like. 

Art Nouveau's influences on the everyday objects of this time;

(All images again from http://artnouveaustyle.tumblr.com/archive)

"Art Nouveau pharmacy door in Sant Antoni, Barcelona, Spain"

"The Cosmovitral (El Cosmovitral) garden in Toluca, Mexico. Features stained glass murals and was built in the year 1910."

French Piano, with a clear influence of Art Nouveau style. From 1900.

Art Nouveaus influence at a later date;

Book;

The power of the poster

edited by

Margaret Timmers

"In 1963 art nouveau designs and posters by Alphonse Mucha publicized for the first time Muchas role as a leading exponent of the art nouveau style, and also contributed to the revival in popularity of the style itself. The characteristic swirling lines, organic forms and convoluted lettering of art nouveau found new expression in the decorative psychedelic posters and magazines of the pop and hippy era."