Art Nouveau in Ornamental Iron Metal Work

Art nouveau was a style of art that became popular between 1890 and 1910. It was a french term that meant "new art". It was often inspired by natural forms such as the curves of plants and flowers. Other characteristics of Art Nouveau were a sense of dynamic movement, asymmetry and whiplash lines. It was inspired by nature and refused to copy from the past styles. Artists of this time period had the strict conviction that creativity and craftsmanship were more valuable that mass production. Signature touches of the Art Nouveau craftsmen were the whiplash motifs that created a sense of movement and elegance. The image below is of the interior of the Grand Palais in Paris, France.