Trees, Leaves, Flowers, Art Nouveau

Another theme I notice in vintage books used for Cover Stories besides women and animals are images of nature.

Leaves, trees, flowers are often found in a curvilinear Art-Nouveau style.




Art Nouveau was popular during the late 20th century. Because its late and I'm tired here is the Wikipedia entry...

'A reaction to academic art of the 19th century, it is characterized by organic, especially floral and other plant-inspired motifs, as well as highly-stylized, flowing curvilinear forms.^[4] Art Nouveau is an approach to design according to which artists should work on everything from architecture to furniture, making art part of everyday life.^[5]'


Yes, nature was a big deal to them as were women with flowing hair.

Alphonse Mucha the Czech artist created works such as these...now sold as posters in every
frame shop.
Speaking of flowing hair, I am obsessed with old commercials. Here is a great old shampoo commercial for those who love to touch their hair.






Here are some art-nouveau inspired tattoos from a site called nouveautattoos.com. That is some serious dedication to an art form. I think I'll just stick to crafts.



In 2006 I was lucky enough to go to the Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum in Salamanca, Spain. It has an amazing collection of statues, figurines and glassware such as the vase posted below



I respect the Art Nouveau interest in handcrafted items and resistance against machine-made and factory-assembled goods. They truly lost the battle once the industrial revolution hit but their style is still very popular and hand-crafted furniture and good is trendy and sought after (especially by those who can afford it).