What is Art Nouveau?
The art nouveau movement, ‘new art’, came about towards the end of Queen Victoria’s reign, as a reaction to the dark, heavy and overly ornate furniture, interiors and fashion that characterized that period. There was also a growing distaste for machine made uniformity, brought about by the industrial revolution. It lasted from 1890 to 1914.
Art nouveau was inspired by the flowing lines of organic, sinuous and natural forms. It featured stylized flowers, leaves, vines, insects and animals. This formed much softer silhouettes in furniture and fashion.
Art nouveau’s influence can be seen throughout the early 20th century in stained glass windows, tiles, carved furniture and all kinds of housewares and clothing. By the start off the First World War, art nouveau was being replaced by another shift in peoples’ taste, which heralded the art deco period.
Here are some examples of art nouveau pieces and carving on furniture, that we have sold at Crossley Vintage Finds:
