Art Nouveau is a movement that developed in the late nineteenth century as a decorative style founded by a generation of "energetic" and "brilliant" artists, who sought to solidify a fashion appropriate for the modern age. Like many other movements, such as German Modernism, it was a response to the Industrial Revolution, but rather than rebel against that revolution and become a movement that was too right handed or left handed, it sat in between - accepting both sides of ideals.In some cases technological progress was embraced, where as other artists promoted the idea of craftsmanship and aesthetics. As a result you have a harmonising movement where equanimity is present, and the result Art Nouveau is a successful movement that's influences are still felt in today's society internationally.
The piece "The Kiss" (below) was crafted by Gustav Klimt and is his most renowned accomplishment. Gustav was a German artist who focused on decorative pieces and often developed erotic art. The important aspect here is how this piece of work embodied what I mentioned previously. With paint, silver and gold leaf, "The Kiss" is the perfect example of Art Nouveau.
I dislike abstract art that requires context to be appreciated, however, a piece like this treads down such a path but still retains the ability be appreciated at face value. Couple this with the realistic fine art used on the faces and you have a harmony that I feel is quite astonishing considering that I, on the most part, tend to shy away from non-traditional pieces.
