Art Nouveau.

Jugendstil, an artistic style that began in Germany (its definition meaning, youth style) in the 1890s. This style is very similar to Art Nouveau, and continued on until the early 20th century. Much like Art Nouveau, this stylization is in response t the art of the 19th century, and uses a lot of organic imagery, like flowing, and curved movements within it's pieces. This particular style of design was applied to different types of work like architecture, and furniture. Allowing this style to be apart of ones daily lives.

 

Born in Brighton, England, on August 21th, 1872, this young artist, illustrator and author was known as being a controversial artist of the Art Noveau era. Salome was also an illustration for Oscar Wilde– author of the play by the same title– who was a close friend of Beardsley. His erotic and perverse imagery, in his many pieces allowed him to gain that title. Those illustration included themes of history and mythology, particularly with his illustrations of Salome.

Title: Salome, painting
Artist: Audrey Beardsley
Year: 1893
the use of colours created a dramatic atmosphere towards the painting; repetitive use of patterns adds balance within the whole image. Part of the painting demonstrates medusa’s head, Audrey had an interest with Medusa’s mythology which he was interested in. It quite represents the artist’s opinion in the artwork; the figure is staring into medusa’s eyes showing her interest towards Medusa.

As well as being a successful illustrator, he was also a caricaturist and even did some political cartooning throughout his career. At the young age of 25, Beardsley died of tuberculosis on March 26th, 1898.

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Alphonse Mucha is quite possibly the most renown of art nouveau artists. He had started drawing when he was young, and made his first poster, Gismonda, for the famous actress Sarah Bernhardt. He based Sarah’s image off of a poster made previously, but added intricate Byzantine-inspired patterns throughout, setting it apart from its predecessor.

Title: Bières de la Meuse, advertisement/poster

Artist: Alphonse Mucha

Year: 1897

This poster promotes beer from a brewery near the River Meuse. A woman is seen wearing a wreath of poppies on her head and holding a pint of beer. The images at the bottom are of the goddess of the River Meuse, and the breweries of the company. All of the company’s posters were to have these images somewhere on them, thus they appeared on Mucha’s version, as well.

He is associated with art nouveau due to the similar elements in style, but has never wanted to be labeled as such. He always thought that since art was always existent, it could never be new. Unfortunately for him he’ll always be known as an art nouveau artist.