Ali Bakri

Marc Beltran

March, 2 2016

Art nouveau

Art nouveau is an international arts movements based on organic forms. It was seen in art, graphic design, architecture and applied arts such as decoration, jewellery, ceramics and glass. It peaked in popularity at the fin de siècle of the late 19th century (1890–1905), and continued until the First World War. 

This new style broke up with the predominant historicist currents. It drew inspiration from nature: curved lines, organic motifs such as flowers and plants, exuberant decoration. The work of art was understood as a whole, including all arts and crafts, architecture, painting, sculpture, furniture, ceramics, wrought ironwork, stained glasses …

Architecture in art nouveau had many big name: Victor Horta who worked in Brussels, where he built the hotel Tassel and his house and workshop. Or in Barcelona the most important architects were Domenech i Montaner, who built the music palace and Antoni Gaudi. 

Gaudi was the most important representative of Modernism. He was very influenced by Gotic art and oriental styles. He drew inspiration from different natural landscapes in Spain, like the mountain of Montserrat and the caves of Mallorca, finding original solutions for buildings he designed: hyperboloid vaults, trencadis ( ceramic mosaic made of waste materials).

Many of his works were commissioned by the Guell family, such as the Palau Guell, Parc Guell…

Main works of Gaudi: Palau Guell, Guell Pavilions, Casa Vicens, Belles Guard, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, Segrada familia.