Art Nouveau Flashcards
1
Q
background on Art Nouveau
A
- based on organic beauty as opposed to classical, academic art
- 1890-1905
- all life is art and as a result all life should be treated as a life form
- rooted in the industrial revolution
2
Q
influences inspiring art noveau
A
- started with a poster made by Alfons Mucha for the Gismonda play
- Rococo Style of French Art (very detailed)
- writings of Darwin about the relationship between Nature and Humankind
- Symbolist Poets and writers
- technology and electrical components inspired curved, intermingled and dynamic forms
3
Q
characteristics of art nouveau
A
- flowing and graceful lines
- violent, whiplash curves
- hyperbolas and parabolas in windows, doors, arches
- rhythmic patterns of curvy lines that connect images in the art (on dishes, eating utensils, furniture etc)
- flat, decorative patterns that can be used in all art forms
- organic subject matter
- New materials aside from classic gemstones
- resistance to classical norms
- applying artistic design to everyday objects to make them more available to everyone
- more stylistic: low-cost materials, mass productions while others used expensive materials and high craftmanship
4
Q
symbolism in art nouveau
A
- femme fatale: depicting fatale attraction (sexual and luring women)
- Eroticism and overindulgence: people used to convey melancholy and sensuality (often semi-dressed)
- flowers: convey virginity, suggesting sexual acts are ‘deflowering’
- women closing their eyes: depict mystery and fantasy (like their hiding their secret world)
5
Q
Alphonse Mucha background
A
- 1860-1939
- decorated designer, producing a variety of products like paintings, posters, advertisements, book illustrations, carpets, theatre sets etc.
- he mainly used women as the subject of the his adverts, dressed in NEOCLASSICAL robes and surrounded by lush flowers
6
Q
Neoclassical Definition
A
- a Western cultural movement
- in the decorative and visual arts, literature, theatre, music, and architecture
- drew inspiration from the art and culture of classical antiquity.
7
Q
Alphonse Mucha’s Ad for Gismonda
A
- lithographed poster he volunteered to produce
- published on the 1 January 1895
- for the Gismonda play by Victorien Sardou featuring Sara Benhardt - famous actress in Paris
- attracted so much attention
- earned him a six-year working contract
8
Q
Alphonse Mucha’s Bieres de la Meuse
A
- women with ornate hair and flowers
- has a recipe needed to make fine lager
- wearing a neoclassical robe
9
Q
Rene Lalique Background
A
- 1860-1945
- french designer knwon for his perfume bottles, vases, jewellery, chandeliers, clocks and automobile car mascots
10
Q
Rene Lalique Citroen car mascot
A
- designed in 1925
- quality glass
- magnificently illuminated by the use of special mounts
11
Q
Rene Lalique Suzanne au Bain statue
A
- designed in 1925
- lovely nude maiden with outstretched arms with draping hanging.
- legs crossed in a sensuous manner
12
Q
Antoni Gaudi Background
A
- 1852-1926
- intergrated ceramics, stained glass, wrought ironwork, mosaic in his architecture
- influenced by Gothic and Moorish styles as well as Barcelona
- rejected classical norms: architecture wasn’t straight but they bent and took natural forms
13
Q
Antoni Gaudi “The Sagrada Família”
A
- heavily inspired by gothic architecture
- has a central nave flanked by two aisles, forming a Latin cross
14
Q
Antoni Gaudi “Park Güell”
A
- public park composed of gardens and architectonic elements
- results from Gaudi’s NATURALIST phase
15
Q
Antoni Gaudi “Park Güell”
A
- public park composed of gardens and architectonic elements
- results from Gaudi’s NATURALIST phase
