Amazon.com Review
Another in the StyleBooks series from Abbeville Press, this pocket-sized reference serves as a clear, readable introduction to Art Nouveau. A highly decorative art and design movement that spanned Western Europe from the 1880s to WW I, Art Nouveau is best known for gathering its inspiration from organic forms of nature--picture Tiffany lamps, flowery ironwork of Paris Metro signs, the paintings of Gustav Klimt, and the buildings of Antonio Gaudi. The text and captions are clear but informative, and most illustrations (all black and white) are produced as full-page bleeds. Charts that place the movement in historical context and list prominent artists of the time are particularly helpful. Examples, from poster and textile designs to apartment buildings, give the reader a broad understanding of the movement and the work it includes.
