Art nouveau

Art nouveau, late 19th-century art movement that influenced decorative styles throughout the West. Its themes were exotic or decadent, its characteristic line sinuous and highly ornamental. The movement aimed to reunite art and life, and so to produce everyday objects of beauty. Some notable architecture, furniture, jewelry, and book designs were produced in this style. The graphic arts were much affected by art nouveau, as seen in the work of Aubrey Beardsley. Other notable artists were the painter Gustav Klimt, the architects Antonio Gaudi and Victor Horta, and applied artists Louis Comfort Tiffany and Rene Lalique.