Art Nouveau

Question 1

Influences

Answer 1

The arts and crafts movement that came before it
Japanese prints - inspired the use of flat shapes and colour
Nature (especially the meandering trails found in climbing plants)

Question 2

Aims

Answer 2

1. To rekindle the dying art of skilled craftsmanship

2. To establish a close link between artists and craftsmen

Question 3

Characteristics

Answer 3

1. Line - whiplash line and free-form curvilinear motifs
2. Form/shape - organic forms, right angled shapes (especially in the works of chairs)
3. Colour - muted or dusty, pastels and flat Matt (è.g. Gold, green, beige)
4. Subject matter - plants, animals, women
5. Balance - asymmetrical
6. Materials - expensive (è.g. Silk, lacquered wood, stained glass)
7. Decorative

Question 4

Examples of design

Answer 4

The casa batllō
Remodeled in the Barcelona interpretation of Art Nouveau by Antonio Gaudí between 1904-1906
It clearly depicts the Art Nouveau use of organic shapes in its irregular oval windows and flowing sculpted stone work. Most of the front is decorated with mosaic in the colours typical of art nouveau