Art Nouveau

c. 1890–1910

Art Nouveau sought to unify art, architecture, and design. It is characterized by flowing lines, organic forms, and nature-inspired motifs. The movement rejected historical imitation in favor of modern aesthetics. It influenced architecture, furniture, and graphic design.

Merchants' National Bank

Louis Sullivan

1914

A compact “jewel box” bank whose rich terra-cotta ornament expresses structure and civic pride.

Casa Batlló

Antoni Gaudí

1904–1906

A fantastical Barcelona townhouse with wave-like forms, mosaic skin, and bone-like balconies.

The Precious Stones: Amethyst

Alphonse Mucha

1900

Flowing hair, ornate patterns, and gemstone hues turn an advertising panel into lyrical decoration.

Porte Dauphine Metro Station

Hector Guimard

1900

A sinuous, plant-like Art Nouveau entrance in cast iron and glass, welcoming Paris commuters.

Secession Building

Joseph Maria Olbrich

1897–1898

A white cube crowned with a golden laurel dome, Vienna’s manifesto for a new art.

Glasgow School of Art

Charles Rennie Mackintosh

1897–1909

A bold, modern school building blending Scottish baronial accents with crisp geometry and crafted detail.

The Peacock Skirt

Aubrey Beardsley

1894

An elegant black-and-white design of stylized figures and feathers, pure fin-de-siècle decadence.

Museum of Applied Arts

Ödön Lechner

1893–1896

Hungarian Secession building dressed in colorful Zsolnay ceramics, merging national motifs with modernity.

Hôtel Tassel

Victor Horta

1893–1894

A landmark Art Nouveau home, famous for its whiplash stair hall and organic iron and tile.

Hôtel Hankar

Paul Hankar

1893–1894

Early Art Nouveau townhouse with flowing ironwork and asymmetrical façade signaling modern living.

Fatality

Jan Toorop

1893

Sinuous lines and symbolic figures evoke fate and desire in a moody Art Nouveau vision.