The 40 different names of Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau is a popular term for the variously named but closely related styles that had a pervasive impact on architecture, painting, and sculpture as well as applied design of every kind, from jewelry and typography to furniture and infrastructure. It burst onto the European scene around 1880, but soon it could be found everywhiere with its distinctive undulating lines, swirling excesses, and propulsive forms.
Compared to Art Deco, which only has one name, Art Nouveau makes it more complex. Test your skills in finding the differences between Art Deco and Art Nouveau by clicking here.
Since Art Nouveau became popular in various countries in Europe, the movement gained different regional and sometimes even local names. The most popular names are Art Nouveau, Jugendstil, Secession, Modernisme and Modernisme, but more name exist all over the world.
- Austria: Secessionstil, Sezessionstil, Secession, Sezession or Viennese Secession
- Belgium: Art Nouveau
- Catalonia: Modernisme
- Czech Republic and Hungary: Secession or Secese
- Denmark: Skønvirke, Jugend or Jugendstil
- England: Tiffany Style, Style Liberty, Liberty Style or Modern Style
- Finland: Kansallisromantiikka, Romantic Nationalism or Jugend
- France: Art Nouveau, Style Métro or Style Guirnard
- Germany: Jugendstil, Secession, Viennese Secession, Wellenstil, Lilienstil or Reformstil
- Hungary: Hungarian Szecesszió
- Italy: Stile Floreale or Liberty
- Latvia: Jugendstil
- Lithuania: Moderas
- Netherlands: Paling Stijl, Slaoliestijl, Amsterdam School style or Niewe Kunst
- Norway: Jugendstil or Skønvirke
- Poland: Secesja, Young Poland or Nova Polska
- Portugal: Arte Nova
- Russia: Stil Modern, Russian Модерн or Modern Style
- Scotland: Glasgow Style
- Serbia: Secession
- Slovakia: Secesia
- Slovenia:Secessionist style
- Spain and South America: Modernismo
- Sweden: Nationalromantik or Swedish Art Nouveau
- Ukraine: Art Nouveau
- US: Tiffany Style
Some people call other names like arte nouveau, art noveau, art nouvea or others, but these are only spelling mistakes 😉
These names identify similar styles that emerged in many countries at about the same time, mainly in Europe. You can also find Art Nouveau in the following countries:
- Algeria
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Brazil
- Chile
- China
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Estonia
- Finland
- Georgia
- Iceland
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Morocco
- Namibia
- Peru
- Romania
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Uruguay
The 40 names of Art Nouveau: Amsterdam School style, Art Nouveau, Arte Nova Glasgow, Style Hungarian, Szecesszió, Jugend, Jugendstil, Kansallisromantiikka, Liberty Style, Lilienstil, Moderas, Modern Style, Modernisme, Modernismo, Nationalromantik, Niewe Kunst, Nova Polska, Paling Stijl, Reformstil, Romantic Nationalism, Russian Модерн, Secese, Secesia, Secesja, Secession, Secessionist style, Secessionstil, Sezession, Skønvirke, Slaoliestijl, Stil Modern, Stile Floreale, Style Guirnard, Style Liberty, Style Métro, Tiffany Style, Viennese Secession Wellenstil and Young Poland. Probably there are more names than those, if you have other namings please share with us so we can add to this list.
Victor Horta designed palaces for nouveau riche Belgian oligarchs. Its extraordinary applicability, from high art to utilitarian design was one of its innovative characteristics. This novel aesthetic caught on so completely because it presented modernism garbed in the raiment of pure pleasure, not the hair shirt of social obligation or moral uplift. It was also more than a bit vulgar and on occasion blatantly sexy, qualities that have never dampened mass appeal.
Plenty of names for an Art style that changed the world at the turn of the 19th into the 20th Centuries. Be inspired by the pre-war Art Nouveau Heritage by clicking HERE.
While Art Deco is commonly known by its singular name, Art Nouveau has been given over 40 different names, reflecting its diverse interpretations and influences across different countries and cultures. Art Nouveau emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against the ornate, academic styles of the time and sought to incorporate natural forms and organic motifs into design and art. Its popularity spread rapidly across Europe and beyond, with each region and country imbuing their own unique cultural influences into the movement.
The diverse interpretations of Art Nouveau led to a variety of names being given to the movement, such as Jugendstil in Germany, Secession Style in Austria and Hungary, and Stile Liberty in Italy. Other variations include Modernismo in Spain, Modern Style in England, and Tiffany Style in the United States. These names reflect the unique characteristics and influences of Art Nouveau in each region, highlighting the movement’s ability to adapt and evolve in response to different cultural and social contexts.
In contrast, Art Deco emerged in the 1920s as a response to the austerity and severity of World War I and focused on sleek, geometric forms and streamlined designs. Its emphasis on luxury, glamour, and modernity quickly made it a popular style across the world, and it became known simply as Art Deco. Its singular name reflects its more unified, standardized approach compared to the varied interpretations and influences of Art Nouveau.
To learn how to differentiate between Art Nouveau and Art Deco works of art, readers can explore the following link: CLICK HERE. This resource provides a helpful guide on the distinguishing features of each style, such as the use of natural forms and flowing lines in Art Nouveau and the geometric shapes and metallic finishes of Art Deco. Additionally, the link provides examples of furniture, jewelry, and other decorative objects from each style, allowing readers to compare and contrast the differences between them.
By studying the unique characteristics and influences of each style, readers can develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art movements that have shaped our cultural heritage. Whether it’s recognizing the flowing, floral patterns of Art Nouveau or the bold, streamlined designs of Art Deco, understanding the nuances of each style can enrich our experiences with art and design.