Art Nouveau means new art and spans the period 1895 to 1905.
It was at its height in Brussels and Paris around 1900 and took its name from
Samuel Bings shop which opened in Paris in 1895 and was called Le Maison de le
Art Nouveau.
Its characteristic swirling graceful lines, whiplash curves and tendrils, often
using the mythology of the "femme fatale" with flowing locks of hair, the winged
dragons, dragonflies and peacocks.
It originated in France, then inspired other European goldsmiths.
The British decorative motifs featured floral tributes, Celtic patterns and primaeval
figures, often crafted in silver and enamel.
|
|
|
Return to Catalogue