In French - Art Nouveau, in German - Art Nouveau, in Hungarian - Secession. All these are the names of the Art Nouveau style, which gained popularity at the beginning of the 20th century and is still in use today.
Ideas from the East in Art Nouveau Style
Art Nouveau style borrows many ideas from Eastern culture. Plant patterns, interwoven elegant lines, flowers, colors - all this forms the basis and essence of the Art Nouveau era. Such art nouveau patterns are repeated in all planar dimensions, whether it be graphic images, bas-reliefs or forged decorative elements.
Many artists sought to find new opportunities to express their creative and philosophical ideas, turning to nature and its living lines. Among the famous artists are Gustave Klimt, A. Toulouse-Lautrec and others.
The line rules the ball
The main element in this style was the line. It is the intricate, gracefully curved lines that define and create the Art Nouveau ornament. Each of them is given its own meaning, expressiveness, character. They resemble a banner freely spreading in the wind or a sea wave with its whims. Refined sophistication, grace and freedom - this is the meaning of the modern style. The drawing has practically no strokes and straight lines - it all consists of a winding line that outlines, repeats or emphasizes the contours of the figures.
Symbolism and Images
Colors and shades in the style of art nouveau carry a certain load. Natural, close to natural, they emphasize the beauty and conciseness of the ornament, its texture and symbolism. Golden paintings by G. Klimt, on which he often depicted the Tree of Paradise, carry the symbolism of eternal life, love and happiness. Images of animals, birds and insects can also be part of the Art Nouveau ornament. Allegorical, stylized, they indicate the nature of a particular drawing, its secret meaning and philosophical implication.
Often in art nouveau you can find female images. This style, as it were, extols the feminine beauty, idealizing it. Many ornaments consist of stylized thick female curls symbolizing health and beauty. Women's faces keep secret, magical power and knowledge of all-consuming love.
Architectural modern
The Art Nouveau ornament occupies a leading position in the compositional solution not only in the visual arts, but also in architecture.
The bas-reliefs adorning the buildings look sophisticated and easy thanks to the fine details worked out. Here, lines, flowers, leaves are intertwined, creating bizarre drawings that do not burden the facade, but make it airy and elegant.