art nouveau
Noun: A style of decorative art, architecture, and design that was popular in Europe and the United States from approximately 1890 to 1910. It is characterized by its use of long, sinuous, organic lines, often based on natural forms such as plants, flowers, vines, and flowing hair. The style sought to break down the traditional separation between fine arts (like painting and sculpture) and applied arts (like furniture and jewelry).
The term "Art Nouveau" is used as a proper noun to name this specific historical style. It functions as a non-count noun when referring to the style in general. - The museum has an excellent collection of Art Nouveau. - The building's facade is a prime example of Art Nouveau architecture. - She collects Art Nouveau glassware.
- As a modifier: "Art Nouveau" is frequently used adjectivally before other nouns to describe objects or features created in that style.
- an Art Nouveau subway entrance
- an Art Nouveau poster
- Art Nouveau motifs
- Jugendstil: The German name for the Art Nouveau style.
- Modernisme: The Catalan name for the style, most famously associated with the architect Antoni Gaudí.
- Sezessionstil: The Austrian name for the style, associated with the Vienna Secession movement.
- Stile Liberty: The Italian name for the style, named after the London department store Liberty & Co., which sold goods in the style.
- Modern Style: A general English term sometimes used synonymously with Art Nouveau.
- Modern Style (general)
- Jugendstil (German context)
- Style 1900
- Art Deco (the succeeding architectural and design style, characterized by geometric, streamlined forms as opposed to organic ones)
- Neoclassicism (a style looking back to classical antiquity, characterized by order and symmetry)
While there are no specific idioms using "Art Nouveau," the style's name is often used in descriptive phrases that highlight its key characteristics. - "Sinuous lines of Art Nouveau": Referring to the style's defining flowing, curved lines. - "Whiplash curve": A term often used to describe the dynamic, flowing lines characteristic of Art Nouveau design.
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a French school of art and architecture popular in the 1890s; characterized by stylized natural forms and sinuous outlines of such objects as leaves and vines and flowers
