Page 1: Introduction to Art Nouveau

Overview of Art Nouveau

• Art Nouveau is characterized by a long, sinuous, organic line.

• Predominantly employed in various fields including:

  • Architecture

  • Interior Design

  • Jewelry and Glass Design

  • Posters and Illustration

• This movement was a deliberate attempt to create a new art style, distancing itself from the historicism that dominated 19th-century art and design.

• Flourished between 1890 and 1910 across Europe and the United States.

Page 2: Terminology and Inspiration

French Terminology

• "Art Nouveau" translates to "New Art" in English.

Reaction Against Mass Production

• The movement emphasized craftsmanship over industrial mass production.

Design Inspiration

• Influenced by:

  • Arts and Crafts movement, notably William Morris.

  • Baroque and Rococo styles.

  • Japanese Woodcut prints, particularly Hokusai.

Page 3: Characteristics of Art Nouveau

Whiplash Lines

• The term "whiplash lines" refers to graphics producing sudden violent curves, likened to the crack of a whip, as noted in Pan magazine (1894).

Page 4: Exposition Universelle 1900

Exposition Universelle

• Held in Paris, showcasing Art Nouveau.

• Significant sites included:

  • Main Entrance

  • Austrian Pavilion

  • German Pavilion

  • Metro design by Hector Guimard

Page 5: Notable Gaudi Works

Casa Mila

• Designed by Antoni Gaudi, located in Barcelona.

Casa Batlló

• Another iconic work by Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona.

Page 6: Sagrada Familia

Description

• Sagrada Familia, designed by Antoni Gaudi, is in Barcelona.

Page 7: Gaudi’s Dedication to Sagrada Familia

Long-term Commitment

• Gaudi dedicated over forty years to this neo-Gothic cathedral.

• Transformed its design using influences from Gothic, Moorish, African, and imaginative elements.

• Debates continue on whether to complete the cathedral or leave it as a tribute to Gaudi's vision.

Construction Resumption

• Construction resumed in 1979, adhering closely to Gaudi's original plans.

• The church has a basilical floor-plan featuring five naves and three transepts.

• Dimensions: 90m long (interior), 60m wide (transept), central nave 15m wide.

Page 8: Milestones in Completion

Key Construction Dates

• 1893: Completion of crypt and apse.

• 1933: Completion of the Nativity façade, intended as the structural template.

• 1978: Completion of Passion towers, sculpting begins based on Gaudi's designs.

• 2010: Central nave vault completion, with Gaudi's lighting design incorporated.

• 2020: Main towers set for completion, nearly doubling height.

• 2026: Anticipated completion of Sagrada Familia, after 144 years.

Page 9: Concept of the New Church

Historical Context

• Development driven by an organization aiming to reverse de-Christianization in industrial Barcelona.

• Land purchased in 1877 in Eixample district.

• Initial design by Francisco de Paula del Villar for a neo-Gothic church, construction began in 1882.

Page 10: Antoni Gaudí Takes Over

Gaudí’s Impact

• Gaudí became the lead architect in 1883 at just 31 years old.

• He drastically altered the original designs, favoring a modernist style inspired by nature.

• Upon his passing in 1926, only the Nativity façade, one tower, apse, and crypt were completed.

Building Specifications

• Final design anticipated 18 towers, a length of 95m/312ft, width of 60m/197ft, seating 13,000 people.

Page 11: Tower Representation

Towers and Symbolism

• Four towers on each façade denote the Twelve Apostles, heights ranging from 90 to 120m (394ft).

• Four additional towers symbolize the four Evangelists, encircling a central tower (170m/558ft) for Jesus Christ.

• The last tower represents the Virgin Mary above the apse.

The Build Process

• Post-Gaudi's death, construction slowed due to financial issues and the Civil War, but resumed in the mid-1950s.

• By 2000, main nave completed, projected construction lasting another 100 years, now expected by 2030 due to technological advancements.

Page 12: Church Architecture

Main Components

• Key parts of Sagrada Familia:

  • Apse

  • Crossing

  • Passion façade

  • Nativity façade

  • Glory façade

  • Cloister

  • Main nave

  • Crypt

• Gaudí envisioned 18 spires to represent Apostles, Evangelists, Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ, with eight completed by 2010.

Page 13: Façade Details

Nativity Façade

• Dedicated to the birth of Jesus, showcasing nature-inspired sculptures and symbols.

• Features four towers dedicated to Saints Matthew, Barnabas, Jude, and Simon.

Passion Façade

• In stark contrast to Nativity, simple and austere, reflects the suffering of Christ with skeletal forms. Completed construction began in 1954.

Glory Façade

• The largest façade with plans for sweeping stairs and thematic depictions of sin, purgatory, and virtues. Forthcoming columns symbolize spiritual gifts, with representations of the Seven Deadly Sins and virtues featured prominently.

Page 14: Recap of Art Nouveau

Summary of Notable Work

• Sagrada Familia remains a central focus in the study of Art Nouveau, particularly in Gaudi’s architectural contributions in Barcelona.

Page 15: Notable Art Nouveau Designers

Key Artists and Architects

• Hotel Solvay, designed by Victor Horta in Brussels.

• Hotel Tassel, another notable project by Victor Horta in Brussels.

Page 16: Characteristics of Whiplash Lines

Definition

• Reiterates the whiplash line's characteristics, denoting the sudden curves synonymous with Art Nouveau as captured in Pan magazine (1894).

Page 17: Notable Designers of Art Nouveau

Prominent Artists

• Charles Rennie Mackintosh, known for geometric lines and defining the Glasgow Style.

• Blended influences from nature, Japanese, Celtic, and Scottish sources, leading towards early modernism.

Page 18: Mackintosh's Style Characteristics

Design Elements

• Mackintosh's architecture broke from traditional classical styles in Glasgow.

• Characteristics include:

  • Asymmetrical forms

  • Sculptural qualities

  • Playful yet restrained ornamentation

  • Heavy stonework or roughcast finish

  • Subtle natural motifs through abstraction and flowing lines

• His work reflects influences of Japanese art, emphasizing simplicity and spaciousness.

Page 19: Significant Buildings by Mackintosh

Key Works

• The Glasgow School of Art (1898-1909)

• The Willow Tea Rooms (1903)

• The Hill House (1902-04)

• The Mackintosh House (1906-14)