Art Nouveau
What it is
Art Nouveau is an artistic movement that emerged in Europe in the late 1800s and lasted until the First World War. This style, known as Art Nouveau in France and Jugendstil in Germany and several other European countries, is characterised by its organic forms, exquisite decoration and an emphasis on craftsmanship and detail. Art Nouveau embraced the forms and lines of nature, and it is common to see motifs such as flowers, plants and flowing lines in both art and craftwork.
Brief history
The movement took its name from a German artistic journal, "Jugend", founded in Munich in 1896. In Norway, Art Nouveau developed its own distinctive character, with many Norwegian artists and craftsmen, such as Lars Kinsarvik and Gustav Vigeland, contributing to the style's unique expression. The style influenced not only painting and sculpture, but also architecture, furniture design and interiors. In cities such as Oslo and Bergen in particular, traces of Art Nouveau can be seen in buildings and interior design from the early 1900s.
How to recognise/identify
Art Nouveau can be recognised through its characteristic forms and ornamentation. Look for flowing lines, asymmetrical composition, and detailed decoration. Furniture from this period often features soft, curved lines and is made from materials such as wood, metal and glass. It is also common to find touches of colour and glazed surfaces. When assessing artworks from this period, one often finds floral motifs, stylised figures and a generally harmonious balance between form and function.
Collector's value/interest
Art Nouveau has become a sought-after style among collectors of antiques and decorative arts. Objects from this period can vary considerably in price, depending on quality, condition and the maker's reputation. Furniture, ceramics, glass and jewellery from the Art Nouveau period can achieve high hammer prices at auction, and many collectors regard these objects as investments. There is also growing interest in Art Nouveau within modern design, making it an exciting area for both collectors and design enthusiasts alike.