art nouveau
An idiosyncratic style of the early 20th century based on naturalistic and highly imaginative forms and decoration.
Pictured: Casa Batlló
Art Nouveau is a style with roots in the Arts & Crafts Movement of the late 19th century. It replaces traditional forms and lines with naturalistic ones, generally based on organic structures as plants, bones, or crystal formations. Designs in this style are highly original and idiosyncratic, but a few common elements can be listed including curving lines, elegant symmetries, and complex shapes.
Also known widely as Jugendstil, Art Nouveau was concentrated heavily in northern Europe with special focus points in Paris, Brussels, and the Netherlands. It also encompasses submovements like Modernisme in Barcelona, the Secessionist movement in Vienna, and German Expressionism. The style also took hold in various far-flung locations like Turkey and South America.
Approximate Dates: 1885 to 1925
