Flowers and other natural forms were frequently used as inspiration by artists working in the art nouveau style. Larger-than-life, stylized elements, such as long stamens, vine-like stems, or oversized petals, are common in art nouveau flowers. The majority of the artists used simple coloring techniques to emphasize the illustration-styled art’s simplistic, two-dimensional effect. Exaggerated and flowing curves, such as tendril-like stems, and the repetition of basic shapes are also features. Instead of painting each petal realistically, an artist frequently used one petal shape repeated to create a flower, such as a sunflower or aster.
Flowers are placed in a variety of ways in art nouveau artwork. Some artists prefer to create pieces that are asymmetrically balanced, while others may meticulously replicate the flower and other elements to create a symmetrical pattern. Flowers were frequently used as repeated motifs by art nouveau artists. In art nouveau pieces, mirror-imaged flowers placed side by side or flanking the center are very popular patterns.
The illustrative appearance of the work is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of art nouveau flowers. Artists blurred the line between fine art and illustration during the art nouveau period. Artists achieve a flat, two-dimensional appearance in illustrative art by using simple shading or no shading. The simple shading gives the flowers a flatter appearance, emphasizing the flowing lines of their stems, tendrils, and leaves.
Since the art nouveau period, the serpentine curves that characterize art nouveau flowers and other components, such as women’s hair, have been incorporated into other art styles. Most notably, the style can be found in art deco and 1960s art. Art nouveau flowers are frequently accompanied by dreamlike, gracefully flowing tendrils in the artwork. To create the appearance of tendrils, the artist sometimes used entwined flower stems or interwoven leaves.
The exaggeration of the plant’s parts is another feature of art nouveau flowers. For emphasis, an artist frequently enlarges or stylizes interesting elements. Artist Hermann Obrist, for example, created very long serpentine stems and elongated, very thin leaves in his textile wall hanging “Whiplash,” which are reminiscent of the curves of a bullwhip being whipped through the air. Because he depicted the plant’s elements — even the roots — as flowing and curvaceous and exaggerated the length of the stems and leaves, Obrist’s piece incorporates at least two art nouveau characteristics.
Art nouveau flowers can be found in tapestries and other artwork, architectural details and building decorations, and furniture, among other places. Flowers adorn period decorative ironwork and carved wooden furniture. For posters, book and magazine illustrations, and other graphic arts, many illustrators used the art style. Some of the best art nouveau works can be found in museums all over the world.