what are the basic differences in Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles?

-- barbara goodwin (udesigna@aol.com), January 26, 2003

Answers

Hi, my son is doing a project at school on art nouveau and art deco and we need some amazing pictures and information. It would be greatly appreciated if you could assist us if possible by the 3Oth January which is tomorrow. Thanks

-- Jill Steinberg (nstein@mweb.co.za), January 29, 2003.

I am not an expert, just a fan of both. But here is my take on it... Most basically, Art Nouveau is curvilinear while Art Deco is more Rectilinear. Art nouveau is also somewhat more organic, heavily depicting life in all of it's forms (humans, animals, plants). Art Nouveau is generally recognized as having been produced in the late 1880's, reaching the height of popularity in around 1901-1905, and being completely finished by 1911. Art Deco is generally associated with the 1920's. Both styles of art had their height of popularity during very optomistic times and reflect that in style. Overlapping these is also the Arts and Crafts style, which is characterized by it's symplicity and craftsmanship. All three have overlapping aspects, and some designs can be hard to classify (when in doubt look at time period and maker). I hope this helps.

-- kelly bowler (kelly_bowler@hotmail.com), March 24, 2003.