Art Nouveau: International and National Styles in Europe (Critical Introductions to Art)

This groundbreaking critical survey of the Art Nouveau movement reveals the true diversity of this style across the breadth of the European continent. With the inclusion, for the first time, of Eastern Europe and covering the full range of artistic media, Howard shows how this movement changed the face of European art and design from Paris to Prague. Clearly structured by country, it traces the emergence of Art Nouveau, highlighting the particular interpretations of the style in each country. Countries covered include: Belgium; Spain; Britain; Austria; Hungary; and Russia. Each chapter contains sections on political and cultural contexts, specific visual characteristics and key artists and designers. Howard analyses the contribution of both well-known artists ad designers such as Gaudi; Van de Velde; Mackintosh; and Mucha, and brings to light many others whose contributions have until now been largely inaccessible. With a full bibliography, glossary, and museums listing, this book provides a complete and fascinating introduction to this ever-popular subject.