There are many beautiful artistic styles open to ironworkers. One of the most popular is the Art Nouveau style of work. The Art Nouveau style was most popular between 1890 and 1910 and came about as a reaction against the academic, cluttered art that populated the 19th-century artistic landscape. While the popularity of the style waned by 1910, it has retained a steady niche level of dedication that has seen an increasing resurgence over the last decade.

The style draws inspiration from natural forms, especially the natural curves of plants, and has been used across nearly every artistic medium. Hermann Obrist described the style as “sudden violent curves generated by the crack of a whip.” This description of the dynamic, flowing lines and asymmetrical patterns characterized much of Art Nouveau. Various regions had their own influences on the art style as it evolved as a medium. Art Nouveau also commonly has flat perspectives, strong colors, and strong lines. When it comes to architectural realizations of the style, it is common to see hyperbolas and parabolas used in the designs, along with decorative moldings that transform into plant inspired forms.

Many artists from many countries helped to influence the style as well, however, what really helped the style grow in popularity were several new developments in printing and publishing technologies. This allowed Art Nouveau to spread far and wide, helping it be picked up and adored by a huge global audience. Once the style spread through print it easily inundated other artistic endeavors including architecture. Some architects including Victor Horta and Henry Van de Velde designed houses that not only had Art Nouveau styled architecture, but everything from furniture to carpets designed in the style as well.

Northwinds Forge prides ourselves on continuing this century-old tradition of bringing beautiful, natural forms into our custom smithed ironworks. If you are interested in an Art Nouveau based project for your own home, give us a call today.