Art Nouveau vs Art Nouveau (Graphic)

Art Nouveau (Graphic) is the cross-discipline counterpart of Art Nouveau — the same whiplash-line movement expressed in posters and print rather than buildings.

Casa Batlló, Barcelona — Art Nouveau (Catalan Modernisme)

Art Nouveau

A short-lived but radical style of flowing, organic line — whiplash curves, plant and vine motifs, and ornament fused with structure.

  • Sinuous 'whiplash' curves and asymmetry
  • Plant, vine, and floral motifs
  • Ornament integrated with structure, not applied on top
  • Decorative ironwork and stained glass
  • Curving, sculptural facades and openings
Full Art Nouveau guide →
Alphonse Mucha — JOB cigarette papers poster (1896)

Art Nouveau (Graphic)

The poster and print language of the Belle Époque — sinuous 'whiplash' line, idealized women wreathed in flowers and flowing hair, ornamental borders, and hand-drawn lettering fused into a single decorative whole.

  • Sinuous 'whiplash' lines and organic plant/vine motifs
  • Idealized female figures framed by flowing hair and flowers
  • Hand-drawn lettering integrated with the illustration
  • Decorative borders, halos, and arabesque framing devices
  • Flat, muted lithographic colour — gold, ochre, sage, rose
Full Art Nouveau (Graphic) guide →

At a glance

Art NouveauArt Nouveau (Graphic)
Era1890–19101890–1910
DisciplineArchitectureGraphic Design
RegionFrance, Belgium, Spain, AustriaFrance, Austria, Belgium, United States
FamilyArt NouveauArt Nouveau, Belle Époque
Formal traitsorganic, curvilinear, ornamentalorganic-line, ornamental, hand-lettered

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