Art Nouveau vs Art Deco

The term Art Nouveau and Art Deco are sometimes confused simply because of their chronology, Art Deco followed the Art Nouveau period. Both periods included some of the same artists.

The geometric styling of Art Deco can be traced to the industrial designs of the Art Nouveau period with artists such as Paul Fallot and Maurice Pillard Verneuil, both students of Eugene Grasset. Eugene Grasset is also said to have had an influence on Le Corbusier’s approach to architectural design. Le Corbusier is known as a pioneer of modern architecture.

The subject matter is the greatest difference between these two periods. Strong lines, geometric patterns and a stylized approach are found in both Art Nouveau and Art Deco.

Art Nouveau artists tended to draw their inspiration from the past and nature [flowers, animals and plants] while Art Deco artists found their inspiration in the present technology and luxury, such as the automobile.

Art Nouveau is also strongly associated with the Belle Epoque period which began in about 1871 [Franco-Prussian War]. The Belle Epoque period ended around the beginning of WWI. You can view a room at Les Arts Décoratifs Museum in Paris that shows the transition between the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods.

You can find examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs in the below publications and throughout the site.

Art Deco Fashion Designs

Art Deco Fashion Designs [amazon.com]

Art Nouveau and Deco Animal Designs

Art Nouveau and Deco Animal Designs [amazon.com]

Art Nouveau Decorative Designs

Art Nouveau Decorative Designs [amazon.com]