The main trends of Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau was the best-known Art Nouveau movement. It was an international movement that originated in Belgium and spread throughout Europe and North America. Art Nouveau was characterised by its flowing, organic forms, its love of nature and its innovative materials. Furniture and decorative objects were often made of bent wood and decorated with curved lines.
Art Nouveau lamps were usually made of brass and glass and decorated with intricate ornaments inspired by nature. Popular motifs included swirling vines, climbing plants, exotic flowers and birds. Many lamps had coloured or opalescent glass lampshades that spread a warm, inviting light in the room.
Tiffany style
The Tiffany Style was a form of Art Nouveau that focused on the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany, an American designer and artist known for his beautiful coloured glass lamps and windows. Tiffany lamps often had opal glass lampshades with decorative motifs such as flowers, dragonflies and butterflies. The Tiffany style became one of the best known and most popular styles of Art Nouveau.
Modern Style
The Modern Style was a variant of Art Nouveau developed in England. The Modern Style was characterised by a less decorative and more abstract design language. Furniture and decorative objects were often made of wood or metal and had transparent, straight lines. The motifs were inspired by nature, but were more abstract than in Art Nouveau.
Modern Style lights were characterised by simple, geometric shapes. The lampshades were often made of metal or frosted glass and had a more industrial look than other Art Nouveau lamps.
Stile Liberty
Stile Liberty was the Italian version of Art Nouveau. It was characterised by floral and organic shapes, similar to Art Nouveau, but also influenced by ancient and Japanese art. Stile Liberty is characterised by opulent details and the use of precious materials such as marble, brass and glass.
Stile Liberty lamps can be recognised by their intricate design and the use of exotic materials. They often had shades made of coloured or opalescent glass in the Tiffany style. Many lamps also had sockets made of marble or brass, making them true works of art.
Viennese Secession
The Vienna Secession was a variant of Art Nouveau that originated in Vienna, Austria. It was known for its avant-garde and experimental design and the use of modern materials such as glass and steel. Furniture and decorative objects often had transparent, straight lines and minimalist shapes.
Lamps and lights in the style of the Vienna Secession are characterised by their simple and modern design. The shades are often made of metal or glass and have geometric patterns. Many lamps also have coloured glass decorations such as stars or zigzag patterns, which add an extra touch of drama.