A few months ago, I blogged about the Art Deco movement, and as we are never one to do things in the traditional manner here at AC Silver I felt it was perhaps time to look at the movement that preceded it; Art Nouveau. Simply translated to mean New Art, this movement was particularly popular in pre-world war one Europe, but in hindsight it its clear it had a significant influence on global design.
In the UK Art Nouveau developed from the Arts and Crafts movement, it was seen as fresh and new with its organic style, and although fashions progressed and it was eventually replaced by the more angular Art Deco designs, Art Nouveau is recognised as an important transitionial period between the historicism of neoclassicism and modernism.
The style is characterised by its flowing curvilinear forms and organic inspired embellishment especially floral and plant inspired motifs. Just like its successor the influence of the movement is visible throughout all elements of global design, in paintings, ceramics, glass, silver and perhaps most notably, architecture. Some of the most prominent examples of Art Nouveau design can be seen throughout pre- war buildings in Europe such as the Paris metro system where the arches, doors and decorative mouldings showcase the movement at its best- despite the subway probably being one of the last places you would expect to see great design!!
Of course, jewellery was also heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau style and as with other areas of design the craftsmen utilised the modern technological advancements of the era to create their pieces. These were less likely to contain precious stones, which only drove the popularity of the movement as pieces were more affordable and therefore increasingly accessible to a wider audience.
W2324: A 0.40 Carat Diamond and Sapphire, Art Nouveau Style, Platinum Dress Ring
W3651: An Antique Edwardian English Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Style Dish 
W4532: An Antique German Silver Tray in the Art Nouveau Style
W4154: A Vintage Three Piece Coffee Set made by Georg Jensen
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