Art Nouveau Is Born

The term “art nouveau” first appeared in the 1880s in the Belgian journal L’Art Moderne to describe the work of Les Vingt. A significant moment in the history of modern art, Art Nouveau was characterized by intricate, flowing lines and organic, natural forms. It revolutionized the approach to architecture, furniture and graphic design, making use of the technological innovations of the turn of the century. Art Nouveau was an important precursor to modernism, which emphasized function over form and the elimination of superfluous ornament. Influenced by the ideas of the Arts & Crafts movement, Art Nouveau designers and artists sought to synthesize art and craft. The styles were similar as well with both emphasizing nature and the Gothic style. Both were interested in architecture and design’s power to reshape the human environment and, thus, experience.