Author Description

From the late 19th century until the First World War, the artistic world witnessed the development of Art Nouveau, the first truly global style. Taking inspiriation form the natural world, Art Nouveau influenced visual art and architecture, particularly in painting, graphics, interior design, sculpture, jewelry, glass and ceramics. The movement was committed to abolishing the traditional hierachy of the arts, which viewed so-called liberal arts, such as painting and sculpture, as superior to craft-based decorative arts, and to the unification of art and life. Art nouveau craftsmen believed that all of the arts should work in harmony to create "a total work of art", or Gesamtkunstwerk: graphic works, buildings, furniture and textiles all conformed to the principles of Art Nouveau.