19th-century architecture and art were dominated by historicism. Representatives of this style turned to the artistic legacy of the past. The 1890s were marked by the appearance of the Art Nouveau style that soon became exceptionally popular.
Even the name of the new style suggests that artists strove to break from existing techniques and shapes in favor of something new. The style’s founders promoted the synthesis of architecture and various kinds of art. They sought to make the surroundings more comfortable, endow them with artistic meaning, and create an integral style.
It is no coincidence that the representatives of Art Nouveau focused their attention on applied arts, fashion, interior design, furniture, book illustration, ceramics, glass, and jewelry art. Art Nouveau was a short-lived style. Its popularity faded quickly with the beginning of the First World War.
The defining features of the Art Nouveau style included the abundance of decorative elements, the lack of symmetry, angles, and straight lines, and instead the frequent use of curved, smooth lines, one flowing into another. The wave motif became widespread in architecture and art.
Interior décor, stained glass windows, wallpaper, and vases often featured the motifs of curved, winding plant stems and flowers. Lilies, irises, and water lilies were especially popular.
At the turn of the 20th century, tenements were actively built in the cities, providing rented accommodation. New interiors required new approaches to furniture design. Art Nouveau furniture was more compact and lighter compared to the furniture of previous periods.
The upholstered oak furniture set from the museum’s collection is distinguished by its lightness and elegance. The backs of the settee, armchairs, and chairs have complex contours formed by intersecting curved lines, which is typical of Art Nouveau furniture.
The armrests of the settee and armchairs also have smooth outlines. The comfort is enhanced by the soft fabric pads in the center. The craftsmen emphasized the beauty of a natural smooth wood surface. The carved plant patterns look harmonious and fit into the overall design of each piece of furniture.
Even the name of the new style suggests that artists strove to break from existing techniques and shapes in favor of something new. The style’s founders promoted the synthesis of architecture and various kinds of art. They sought to make the surroundings more comfortable, endow them with artistic meaning, and create an integral style.
It is no coincidence that the representatives of Art Nouveau focused their attention on applied arts, fashion, interior design, furniture, book illustration, ceramics, glass, and jewelry art. Art Nouveau was a short-lived style. Its popularity faded quickly with the beginning of the First World War.
The defining features of the Art Nouveau style included the abundance of decorative elements, the lack of symmetry, angles, and straight lines, and instead the frequent use of curved, smooth lines, one flowing into another. The wave motif became widespread in architecture and art.
Interior décor, stained glass windows, wallpaper, and vases often featured the motifs of curved, winding plant stems and flowers. Lilies, irises, and water lilies were especially popular.
At the turn of the 20th century, tenements were actively built in the cities, providing rented accommodation. New interiors required new approaches to furniture design. Art Nouveau furniture was more compact and lighter compared to the furniture of previous periods.
The upholstered oak furniture set from the museum’s collection is distinguished by its lightness and elegance. The backs of the settee, armchairs, and chairs have complex contours formed by intersecting curved lines, which is typical of Art Nouveau furniture.
The armrests of the settee and armchairs also have smooth outlines. The comfort is enhanced by the soft fabric pads in the center. The craftsmen emphasized the beauty of a natural smooth wood surface. The carved plant patterns look harmonious and fit into the overall design of each piece of furniture.
