Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau is an international style of art that was most popular between 1890 and 1910. It was a reaction against the academic art, eclecticism and historicism of 19th century architecture and decoration and was often inspired by natural forms such as the sinuous curves of plants and flowers. Other characteristics of Art Nouveau were a sense of dynamism and movement, often given by asymmetry or whiplash lines. One of its major objectives was to break down the traditional distinction between fine arts (especially painting and sculpture) and applied arts.

See also: Art Nouveau Postcards