Art Nouveau and Hume

Art Nouveau was an art movement  from 1890-1910.  It is characterized by forms associated with nature, curved lines and elaborate decorations (Chilvers 27).  There was a belief that the function of an object should define its form.  It applied to architecture, jewelery, visual art and household items.  In many ways Art Nouveau was the application of fine art to everyday items.

Tree of Life. Gustav Klimt. 1909. PD 1923

Art Nouveau has been questioned as fine art. The very nature of Art Nouveau was decorative and commercial in nature.  However, David Hume, noted for the saying “art for art’s sake,” provides some useful tools for interpreting Art Nouveau.

Grape Table Lamp. Tiffany. 1902
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According to Hume, once we realize the real from the unreal, the pure material from the purely conceptual, our minds are free to play and interpret art.  Art Nouveau combines aspects of nature in-line with the utilitarian value of mundane items.  The results are functional items of beauty.

Early 20th Century Pearl and Diamond Necklace
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Beauty draws attention to itself and the objects it graces.  This has the tendency to engage the mind and allow it to form abstractions from the combination of nature and utility (Schiller).  Once the mind engages the artwork, it tends to stay engaged and the cycle strengthens itself.

Tassel House. Victor Horta. 1892

Art Nouveau has ingratiated itself into our culture and its influences are seen everyday.   The significance of Art Nouveau is the beauty of its imitative of nature and its ability to spark the creative imagination.

Works Cited

Chilvers, Ian. Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2009. Print

Hume, David. “Of the Standard of Taste.” Art 623, Aesthetics. Tiffin University. N.d. Web.  Sept 10, 2013
Schiller, Friedrich. "On the Aesthetic Education of Man." Art 623. Aesthetics. Tiffin University. N.d. Web. Sept 1, 2013.