Until our last trip in 2011, I didn't have much knowledge of Art Nouveau. Then, I saw a beautiful Alfonse Mucha calendar with 12 of his famous posters. This was the beginning of my understanding of the style~Art Nouveau. Art Nouveau is a philosophy and style of architecture, art and decorative arts which was popluar from 1890-1910. It is inspired by natural forms, structures and curved lines One of its most distinctive characteristics are the 'whiplash' curves. These whiplash motifs, formed by dynamic flowing lines are found throughout the architecture, painting, sculpture and other decorative forms of Art Nouveau design.
Mucha's poster Gismonda, which was an advertisement for the play featuring Sarah Bernhardt in 1895, popularized the new artistic style. In Paris, the gallery Maison de l'Art Nouveau managed by Seigreid Bing showcased modern art objects. The fame of his gallery increased at the 1900 Exposition Universelle which presented an overview of this modern style. Soon this new modern art form became known as Art Nouveau.
More of Mucha's posters can be seen here.
We came upon this building, completely by accident, walking near the Eiffel Tower. It caught our eye from a block away. The architect of this building and several others in the area was Jules Lavirotte.
This masterpiece won Lavirotte first place in the prestigious Parisian Facade competiton of 1901. The use of glazed tiles embedded in the stone and bricks was the first of its kind in Europe.
The Art Nouveau style incorporates forms from nature; plants, flowers, insects etc. The door pull on this main entrance is in the form of a lizard.
Lavirotte signed his buildings.
Here's another link that describes some of Lavirotte's designs.
Rue Sedillot
This is another Lavirotte building. It is quite fanciful with a Medieval inspired tower over the main entrance.(seen in the photograph below)
This building is now the Liceo Italiano Leonardo da Vinci, an Italian high school.
The building has asymmetrical features. The windows are unevenly spaced and of different sizes.
Art Nouveau architecture made use of many of the technological innovations of the 19th century, especially the use of exposed iron and large pieces of glass (note the Guimard Metro entrances below). These window grates are great examples of the 'whiplash' curves used in the design.
Square Rapp
The first thing you notice when turning into the Square is the back wall. It is covered with a 5 or 6 story tall trellis with a 3D architectural design. It's magnificient. The iron gate was designed by Lavirotte as well.
The main entrance and balconies feature stone carvings and cast iron details. Each of the balconies has a different Lavirotte design. You'll notice the turret towards the back.
The facade, the balconies, the iron work and the beautiful carved doors are breathtaking.
Looking back out of the Square through the iron gate that encloses the square, a full view of the Eiffel Tower.
By the start of World War I the elaborate stylised nature of Art Nouveau fell out of favor because it became too expensive to produce. It was eventually replaced by the 20th century 'modern' styles which were more streamlined, linear, and cheaper. One of these plainer industrial styles became known as Art Deco.
Excellent examples of Art Nouveau architecture can be found in many cities in Europe including Brussels, Belgium; Riga,Latvia, Aviero, Portugal and Barcelona, Spain. (There are many more.)
Other Art Nouveau artists include Gustav Klimt; jewellry designer and glassmaker, Rene Lalique; glass artist Louis Comfort Tiffany and architect Antoni Gaudi.
Other Art Nouveau creations
Hector Guimard was an architect and contemporary of Lavirotte and more well known. He designed the Paris Metro entrances. There are two of the original structures left in the city. This one at Place Abesses in Montmartre.
and this one at Porte Dauphine near the Bois de Boulogne. Notice that both incorporate the large glass panels in the design.
(photo is from the internet)
Today Art Nouveau is considered a 'total' style including architecture, interior design, jewellry, furniture, textiles and visual arts.
So now you know~if it's decorative and curvy, it's probably Art Nouveau.
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