This style should be considered truly French, although it appeared at the end of the 19th century in Belgium, and not only in France. But, for some reason, many people confuse it with modernity, although they are very different, and in some cases they are the exact opposite of each other. Art Nouveau is considered an ornamental style, sometimes called a "return to nature." The symbolism of the style for furniture lies in the fact that it has various curved ornaments, often made in the floral direction. Often used and Japanese painting. In addition to furniture, “new style” is decorated with stone, iron and even glass products, they are also used for wallpaper and decorating mirrors.

The most important elements of this style, emphasizing the motives of France, are compositions symbolizing plants. The most commonly used colors are black, blue and green. It seems that they are difficult to combine, but in fact, everything looks quite harmonious. You can decorate windows and doors with floral and other ornaments, in which straight lines are rejected, and smooth, dancing ones prevail, which are permeated with the energy and strength of plants. You can use almond or white flowers, which emphasize coziness and comfort.
A few words about the interior, well suited to the style. Tablecloths should be large enough to reach the floor. Curtains and curtains should be draped so that they cover part of the walls. The symbol of this style can be an ordinary wardrobe, but only built into the wall. On it, instead of a regular mirror, it is recommended to install stained glass with flower ornaments. Drawings on the floor can be varied, but only in such a way that they are combined into a single composition. The asymmetric shape of the doorways is best suited here.
In this style, you can decorate not only the bedroom or living room, but also the bathroom, kitchen. It is best to order furniture, not forgetting to clarify that rounded and facade shapes are needed. So, calmly start changing the style in your house or apartment. After all, if not you, then who can create for you a pleasant atmosphere, coziness and comfort?

The second half of the nineteenth century belonged entirely to the masters of eclecticism. New ideas were drawn from mixing different styles, their repetition. There was a need to create something fundamentally new, giving freedom from connection with the historical past. Thus began to emerge decorative and ornamental Art Nouveau style is a new art.

In the eighties features Art Nouveau style began to be seen in the works of artists and sculptors. The craftsmen were inspired by plants. It was the floral ornament that became the key element Art Nouveau style, made it well recognizable.

Embroidery by Herman Obrist "Blow of the scourge".

The standard of style was the smooth curved lines of Herman Obrist's embroidery called "Blow of the Scourge". The new art completely denied the forms of the architectural styles of the past, inspired the search for new bizarre decorative forms that looked like mobile plant motifs, wavy and curved lines. The lines visually merged with the structural elements, organically combining the influences of the East and the desire for constructiveness. In the decoration, preference was given to a stylized plant and animal pattern, the lines of which were softly curved and flat. These images could not be compared with the works of naturalism or historicism. Rather, they resembled late Gothic forms and Japanese painting. All these features very quickly took shape in a new style that has whole line distinctive features.

The style developed rapidly and soon became extremely popular. It has received wide distribution not only in such areas as painting and architecture. Masters decorated the premises in the style of "Art Nouveau" They made furniture and household items.

It is worth noting that the name "Art Nouveau"- French in origin - is international and the most famous. However, in different countries he got different names. So in Russia it was "Modern", Germany gave it the name "Jugendstil", Italy "Liberty", in Scotland it is known as "Mac", and in the USA - "Tiffany".

Architect Victor Ortu

Architecture was dominated by fluid forms. This technique made it possible to erect metal structures in the form of thickets of fantastic flowers. The main difference between Art Nouveau architecture was the combination of aesthetic beauty, created with the help of natural lines, with the functionality of the building. The Belgian architect Victor Horta can be considered a pioneer of the trend in architecture. It was he who created projects from metal and glass, giving the iron supporting structures the shape of fantastic plants.

Architect Hector Guimard

Architect Hector Guimard

In France, the style spread thanks to Hector Guimard, who designed the Paris metro. A complete rejection of all ideas about architecture - in the works. Examples include Mila Gaudí's house in Barcelona. The architect successfully implemented the principle of architecture merging with nature. It seems that nature itself is the author of the project. Blurring the lines between architecture and sculpture, he creates a stunning fantasy environment, archsculpture. Such is his Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, ​​which is so similar to a living organism.

Architect Fyodor Shekhtel

Architect Fyodor Shekhtel

The most interesting feature of Art Nouveau is the use of triangular ornaments, a rare combination of an oval with a triangle. A vivid example of the use of such a technique is the Moscow Art Theater "The Seagull", decorative lattices and Fedor Shekhtel's techniques, which turns an oval-triangle into a spiral. This combination is unique. In general, ovals and transformed ovals in similarity (cut, symmetrically inclined, oval grids for parts of ovals - invisible ovals) underlie the so-called linearity Art Nouveau style. They are also a confirmation of its organicity - the ellipse causes the least irritation.

It is worth noting that Art Nouveau style imitates not only the external forms of all living things, but also its behavior. Such, in many ways, barely perceptible, "organism" is, perhaps, one of its main features. Here it is worth returning to the works again and remembering his “home-organism”. There are other, more local methods. For example, the technique of self-wrapping. This is the most common way to draw lines.

In a careful study of a variety of works of art made by in the style of "Art Nouveau", you notice inherent only in this direction feature. This is a kind of worldview manifestation - the inanimate is endowed with life, the living - dead and frozen. This gets a little creepy.

Art Nouveau is beautiful not only in the perception as a whole, but also in details. An example is the technique of drawing from an imaginary very dense, thin medium penetrated by fibers. Twisted objects stretched in this way look mysterious and a little frightening.

If we talk about proportions, then the volumes and forms of the style are characterized by a slight stretch, which is probably inherent in organic growth. And the principle of form formation is based on natural geometry.

When it comes to color in the style of "Art Nouveau", then it is built on dissonant pairs. So, orange meets purple in a gray frame, or a pair of brown makes white. According to the texture, this color scheme corresponds to dark-tinted bronze, walnut and red wood, colored marble and, of course, violet-blue glaze.

The development of style led to the emergence of several of its directions:

1. Neo-romanticism, which absorbed the features of the Romanesque and Gothic styles.
2. Neoclassical style (based more on the classics - proportions, harmony).
3. Rationalism, characterized by the use of simple forms, ranked in Russia as the avant-garde (later style).

It should be noted that some specialists in the field of architectural history believe that the above styles are independent, while others still classify them as varieties. Art Nouveau or Art Nouveau.

Decided to change the design of your apartment? Do you want something fresh, interesting, original? Don't know where to start? Think about the style you would like your home to be. If you are a lover of everything natural, prefer naturalness and smooth lines in the design of rooms, then the art nouveau style in the interior is what you need.

A bit of history

Translated from French, this phrase means "new art." L'Art Nouveau is the name of the French Art Nouveau period of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. If we consider the history of this style more precisely, then it is considered one of the directions of the “floral” style, its other name is “decorative and ornamental style”.

Art Nouveau as a style of interiors arose in an era of fermentation of minds. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, all the old principles of art began to be rejected. Representatives of art have ceased to imitate nature, believing that this limits their creative freedom. Instead of the classical traditions, they brought complex symbolism, figurative associations and emphasized decorativeness.

Many people did not understand the subtle philosophy and deep symbolism that formed the basis of Art Nouveau. But he was especially appreciated by creative bohemia, romantics. Two-dimensional images, smooth curves of lines, flat patterns, handmade, rich decor are the hallmarks of Art Nouveau in its original form. It did not last long, it was replaced by machine production. And luxurious interiors have replaced monotonous concrete structures.

Today, the Art Nouveau style is experiencing its rebirth. Many believe that he and the Art Nouveau style are one and the same. Actually this is not true. Art Nouveau style has its own distinctive features.

Cyclamen flower, unusually curved, lily, iris, water lily, algae, bluebell - all these are symbols of Art Nouveau. Plant and animal ornaments are depicted flat.

When decorating an apartment or house, be guided by certain features of art nouveau. It is not necessary that they all be present within the interior of one room. The interior concept is based on national characteristics countries, the direction of art nouveau is manifested in accents.

Color palette

Use a specific color scheme, which is dominated by shades characteristic of the water element:

• the main color is green, all its shades are white, blue, gold and silver, imitating the glitter of water in the sun;
• additional colors - dark brown, silver-lilac, dirty pink, grayish.

Lines, shapes, ornaments

Curved soft lines, waves of wall and ceiling decor smoothly flow into the elements of wall and ceiling structures.

The abundance of decorative and floral ornaments in imperceptibly curved forms is reflected in fabrics and wallpapers.

The walls can be decorated with wooden panels, fabric tapestries, decorative painting. When decorating walls, ceilings, floors, natural themes (water, plants) are played up. Metal structures in the interior resemble thickets of unusual flowers.

Remember that a large number of floral motifs can make a small room even smaller, so be careful when decorating small rooms in the Art Nouveau style, use finishing materials with a small and discreet pattern.

Create unusually shaped ceilings (you can combine drywall constructions and stretch ceilings) with original stucco or plaster borders.

Windows and materials

This direction tends to specific design windows (as a result of special processing of glass, the effect of shimmering ice is achieved), the use of stained-glass windows, mirrors of a round or oval shape.

Use natural fabrics in an interior with rich colors, metal, stone or glass elements. All materials must be in harmony with each other.

A round or oval carpet of rich color will be the highlight of the interior.

Furniture and accessories

All pieces of furniture should be made of solid wood, with curved legs, carvings, no coarse sharp corners. Art Nouveau gravitates toward streamlined, semi-circular shapes, even if there are right angles, they are shaded and rounded. Cabinets, shelves, bookcases are decorated with bronze inserts; forgings are used.

Paintings by contemporary artists are used as additional decorative elements.

This style goes well with almost all styles. For example, you can decorate the ceilings, walls and floors in the Art Nouveau style and put modern appliances in the room.

You can decorate in this way a bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom.

Art Nouveau interiors are preferred by people who love nature and gravitate toward everything natural in the design of their homes. It is also chosen by couples and unmarried girls. Soft curves and outlines in the design speak of the femininity and tenderness of the owners of the home.

Art Nouveau in its modern interpretation is a kind of business card house, demonstrating the taste and preferences of its owner.

Art Nouveau style in jewelry (approximate boundaries: 1890-1915).Between 1860 and 1880 French jeweler Oscar Massine set the tone with his works and paved the way for the Art Nouveau movement.

His works inspired jewelers-designers who were looking for new forms. late XIX centuries to break with the tradition that limits them and to accompany the beginning of the new century with a fresh surge of creative energy.

They adopted a new revolutionary view of art and paid more attention to the image created by each piece of jewelry, rather than the use of expensive ones.

With the help of flowing forms, they focused on detailed work with metal, the use of unusual stones and new materials, and with the help of enamel they created works of art unique in all aspects.

Experiments were very frequent during this period. Nothing fettered jewelers-designers. They took materials such as horn and, such unusual stones as or natural, "wing" and.

All this was mixed in bizarre, never before used combinations. The main motifs were borrowed from nature: flowers, insects, leaves, intertwined vines and elusive mysterious female silhouettes.

The objects themselves were unusual. They used flowers such as large irises and insects such as fluttering butterflies and dragonflies. Smooth movements and a more abstract nature jewelry in the art nouveau style created a feeling of calm and tranquility, as if you were entering a dream world.

At this time, French jewelery designers come to the fore, and the most bright stars were René Lalique, Henri Wever, Georges Fouquet, Jo Dec, Boucheron, Philip Wolfer, Plisson and Hartz, and Lucien Gaillard. Worked in the Art Nouveau style and Peter Carl. In America, Louis Comfort created a sensation with his Art Nouveau products.

Other American masters working in this style include Theodore Dreiser, James Caldwell, Shreve Company, Peacock Company, Bailey, Banks, Biddle, Black, Stars Frost, Marcus Company, Spaulding Company, and Theodore Starr.

He is confused with, but he is far from him. It will be about Art Nouveau. To understand what it is, let's start with the art deco features. Having understood them, we will understand the difference between artistic styles.

Art Deco is inspired by art ancient egypt especially Mesopotamia. Hence the motifs of tropical plants and a lot of glitter. Here and chrome, and brass, and silver surfaces.

Add to this brutal sexuality in the form of panthers and lions. The image of a gentle fallow deer, their prey, is also sung. If an ornament, then composed of simple figures. If the colors are bright, saturated and contrasting. If the objective world, then connected with technologies. Let's oppose this Art Nouveau and understand the difference.

Features of art nouveau style

Art Nouveau - style, which originated before art deco. The last one appeared in 1925. Then an exhibition called Exposition internationaledes Art Dcoratifs et industriels Modernes was held in Paris. From her name, they isolated the term for the new style. Many items did not correspond to him.

Art Nouveau arose 40 years earlier, in 1885, and was understood as a new art. It turned to smooth lines, natural motifs. Before the revolution, art nouveau was called the latest art, and during the Soviet era they began to be called modern.

This term is translated as "modern". Art historians of the 21st century tend to use the concept of "modern" for its intended purpose, speaking specifically about modern things, and not from past centuries. Therefore, they began to use the English style designation "Art Nouveau".

Modern art nouveau is called differently in different countries and is perceived as a national idea. In Austria, for example, the style is called “Secession”, and in Italy “Liberty”. Art Nouveau could not become international, one for all.

This is the fundamental difference from art deco. Everyone understands the latter in the same way, they call it the same way and recreate it in the same way. The idea of ​​the direction is life is like a holiday. Hence so much brightness, manufacturability and languor.

The idea of ​​art nouveau is different, it is put in opposition to the previously dominant rationalism. Its straight, stingy lines were replaced with smooth ones, praising the naturalness of the environment, its complexity and versatility.

Art Nouveau ornaments made up of one continuous line. It twists, bends, crosses itself. As a result, a complex and ornate picture is obtained, like an interweaving of herbs in a field.

However, these herbs are close and dear. These are not tropical plants, but those that are visible under the window. The colors are also natural. Instead of brightness and contrast, pastel colors are used. It only comes out of them.

On photo art nouveau demonstrates equally natural and discreet materials. as opposed to art deco metals, dull, a lot, and. Birds, fish, and insects predominate in the drawings decorating them and textiles.

In general, again the motives of nature. They are unfamiliar with new technologies. Therefore, Art Nouveau has a lot of decor, but little practicality and, moreover, modern equipment. It is easier to see a carved wooden table, antique-style writing instruments and a fireplace installation, which is actually just intricately intertwined tree roots.

Art Nouveau Jewelry

Art Nouveau Jewelry gravitate towards semi-precious ones. Most of them in nature, as well as muted colors. Therefore, jewelers take delicate , , , . Their charm is in muted colors, discreet radiance.

In accordance with the favorite ornaments of art nouveau, there are many flowers, birds, fish, dragonflies in the jewelry of the style. If there are female figures, they are complemented by butterfly wings, petal skirts. can literally be earrings, for example, birch. The color of the tree is worked out by jewelers in stone, metal, ivory.

Enamel became a favorite art nouveau technique. This . It is applied to the metal, baked on it. In order to delimit the elements of the picture, they use partitions made of jewelry.

Such enamel is called cloisonné. The lace of many walls corresponds to the mystery of the style. It seems that you are entering a fairy forest or meeting its nymphs. Speaking of nymphs.

In jewelry art nouveau ornament combined with nudity. In the 19th century, this became a challenge to chaste views. In the 21st century, nudity is not surprising. The eroticism of Art Nouveau is in keeping with the times and, in this sense, keeps the style contemporary.

Art Nouveau in the interior

In the interior, style is expressed by handmade items. There are stained-glass windows, exclusive wooden furniture, hand-made fireplaces, and unique paintings. It is not for nothing that art nouveau was proclaimed the style of artists and people of art in general.

The creators fill the interior with deep symbolism, sinuous lines, piece objects. That is why Art Nouveau dominated other styles for only 4 decades. The era of widespread machine production has come. Mass goods do not differ in the complexity of forms and are constantly repeated. It's foreign Art Nouveau.

In the interior art nouveau style is expressed mainly in green and brown colors. A parallel is drawn with the colors prevailing in nature. All colors seem to be powdered, cloudy.

If pink, then grayish, if purple, then with silver. In places, surfaces shimmer, like ice playing in the sun or sparkling drops of water on flowers. Without fail, such associations in the interior of art nouveau cause glass windows. To do this, they are treated with special compounds.

Pictured is an art nouveau interior

In general, the art nouveau interior can be called solid. Natural materials are used and processed exclusively. Also, the style is streamlined. Art Nouveau interiors do not have straight and strict lines.

Everything is soft, elegant and graceful. Fabrics, like other materials, are natural, richly ornamented. Every detail in Art Nouveau interiors is an object that can be viewed for hours.

Art Nouveau in painting

In art nouveau painting, as well as other forms of style, the themes of naturalness, mystery, and sensuality are exploited. Female images, for example, are languid with roundness and lush waves of hair.

Visually, these ladies seem tall. In art deco, for example, ladies are miniature, thin and resonant. They have a prickly sportiness. It seems that these ladies are in a hurry somewhere.

Women in art nouveau paintings, on the contrary, are peaceful and calm. They enjoy the moment without wanting to leave it. Hair is loose, bodies are relaxed, looks are thoughtful.

Of the artists, the Art Nouveau direction was supported by Konstantin Somov, Cuno Amiet, Leon Bakst, Gustav Klimt, Jan Torop and Charles Morin. The latter worked, in the same way, in the style of symbolism.

Art Nouveau painting by Gabriel Moreno

Art Nouveau corresponds to about every 3rd Morin painting. His canvases often feature, for example, a circle. The daylight in art nouveau can be called a cult object.

The paintings also abound with strange creatures. These are not monsters, but there is something unreal, fabulous in them. The rest of the motives of nature are naturalistic. Looking at the paintings, you see shells, peacocks, butterflies and ladybugs.