Dangerous Curves Ahead: French Art Nouveau

The Art Nouveau era emerged in late 19th-century France amidst a swirling landscape of societal change and creative rebellion. Characterized by sinuous curves and organic forms, the movement looked to nature as its ultimate sourcebook, stylizing plants, insects, and birds into intricate designs. This course explores how the era's aesthetic was shaped by dreams, symbolism, creepy crawlers, opium smoke, and the revolutionary psychological and biological theories of Freud and Darwin. We examine the art, architecture, and decorative arts of the period, with particular focus on the sumptuous materials that defined French luxury and innovation. We also explore how the female form—specifically the flowing lines of hair and silhouette—inspired new decorative possibilities. This course will be recorded. Students will have access to the video for 30 days.