Art Nouveau

Glasgow

The Art Nouveau movement in Glasgow originated largely within the Glasgow School of Art, hosting the massively influential group, The Glasgow Four. The featured artists of this group were Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Margaret Macdonald, Frances Macdonald, and Herbert McNair. They made contributions towards the movement's architecture, interior design, and paintings. Mackintosh was arguably the most acclaimed of the four, as he included rose and leaf motifs in his work, alongside the group's geometric approach to the Art Nouveau style. This is the imagery that Glasgow is known for today within art history, as seen most evidently throughout the city's buildings. Notable examples are The Willow Tea Rooms, displaying the geometric, graphic shapes in the interior (designed by Mackintosh), and House for an Art Lover (designed by Mackintosh, and Margaret Macdonald).

Vienna

Vienna is home to some of the most important buildings within the Art Nouveau movement. Otto Wagner to this day is known as the most renowned architect of Austria, as his work can be seen stretching across the city skyline. Much like in Glasgow, a geometric approach to the style was adopted, alongside Wagner's use of symmetry, and decorative ornaments of glass, marble and metal.
     Gustav Klimt was also a pioneer of the movement, and became known for his delicate, feminine style. He became part of a group of avant-garde artists named the Secession - the Viennese interpretation of Art Nouveau. The actual building for the Secession itself became an Art Nouveau art piece, designed by Joseph Maria Olbrich, and held many exhibitions of the movement. The group became known for their innovative, forward-thinking artwork.

Madrid

Antoni Gaudi was the father of Art Nouveau within Spain. After studying the book, 'Entretients sur l'architecture' by Viollet-Le-Duc, along with the influence of international artists, he was enthralled and inspired, and ultimately developed the styling that we see in his most famous work today. The shapes and form he used in his architecture were unseen previously, following natural, curving forms. The work was often also laced with religious imagery within the vibrant, lively exteriors. Despite this, Gaudi never lost touch with the Art Nouveau root in his art.

Nancy

As the originating town of Art Nouveau, the impact that was created here in art history, especially architecture, was immeasurable. It began after the formation of the École de Nancy, as artists were trained in high class decorative art and architecture. Traces of this education can be found clearly throughout the small town, and now around the world. The founder and leader of the school was Émile Gallé, who was arguably one of the best glass artists of the time. She ultimately lead and paved the way for Art Nouveau.

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Links

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glasgow_School
​https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/glossary-terms/art-nouveau
​https://www.wien.info/en/sightseeing/sights/art-nouveau
​http://www.art-nouveau-around-the-world.org/en/villes/vienna.htm
https://www.zottartspace.com/en/epochen/7977/
http://blog.flametreepublishing.com/art-of-fine-gifts/bid/72084/Art-Nouveau-Artists-Gustav-Klimt
​https://www.theartstory.org/movement/vienna-secession/
https://www.theartstory.org/artist/gaudi-antoni/
http://www.art-nouveau-around-the-world.org/en/artistes/gaudi.htm
​https://www.thevintagenews.com/2017/12/23/art-nouveau-nancy/