Our webinar will look at the lives and legacy of two Art Nouveau masters. While distinctly different in their responses to the Art and Crafts movement, both men made important contributions that are universally acknowledged.
Victor Horta: The Original "Steam Punk"
Belgian architect and designer Victor Horta is widely acknowledged as a leading figure in the Art Nouveau style that dominated late 19th century Europe. His fluid and organic interpretations of rigid technology bending to the will of the artist's hand left a subtle but distinctive mark on an entire generation of international architects who came later, including Frank Lloyd Wright.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh: Unflinching Foe of Artifice
Scottish architect and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh had a profound influence on European design as the Art Nouveau movement struggled to hold its ground against the overwhelming power of mass production and the strict demands of economic expediency. The popular acceptance of "Japonism" fostered a new worldview imported from Asia and provided Mackintosh with the perfect tools to balance economy, elegance, utility, and form.
Learning Objectives
After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:
Discuss the reasons why the Art Nouveau movement flourished in response to the Industrial Revolution.
Explain the significance of Victor Horta and Charles Rennie Mackintosh in the Art Nouveau movement and how their philosophies influenced future designers.
Recognize the distinctive characteristics of the Art Nouveau style and identify other practitioners from the era.
Differentiate between the Art Nouveau style and the larger Arts and Crafts movement.
