Art Nouveau

The Art Nouveau blossomed from Great Britain in around 1890 and spread throughout Europe and the United States up until World War I. The emergence of this style, characterised by curled, flowing designs reflecting shapes in nature affected art, architecture and design. Influenced by Japanese graphic art, Art Nouveau designs were swiftly incorporated into everyday items, such as jewelry, furniture, wallpaper, textiles and ceramics. Whilst Art Nouveau jewelry switched from precious gems to materials like opal and ivory, furniture became intricate in design and thus expensive to produce. The movement is well reflected by the glass art produced during this period, with experimentation in color and transparency, as well as bold new shapes. Some of the most important artists of this style include painter Gustav Klimt, textile designer William Morris, silversmith Georg Jensen and glass designer René Lalique.