Art Nouveau style was most popular between 1890 and 1910. It was a reaction against the industrial revolution, eclecticism and historicism of 19th century architecture and decoration. It was often inspired by natural forms such as the sinuous curves of plants and flowers. A sense of dynamism and movement, often given by asymmetry and the use of modern materials, particularly iron, glass, ceramics and later concrete, to create unusual forms and larger open spaces.
One major objective of Art Nouveau was to break down the traditional distinction between fine arts (especially painting and sculpture) and applied arts. It was most widely used in interior design, graphic arts, furniture, glass art, textiles, ceramics, jewellery and metal work.
By 1914, and with the beginning of the First World War, Art Nouveau was largely exhausted.
