Cultural Routes-Réseau Art Nouveau Network

Appearing in the late 19^th century, Art Nouveau spread rapidly in Europe through international exhibitions, artists, letters and photo-illustrated art magazines. This artistic revolution was mainly inspired by natural forms and structures, not only flowers and plants, but also curved lines. The CoE Cultural Route Réseau Art Nouveau Network (2014) focuses on the understanding of this rich legacy, and brings the visitor to realise its relationship with nature, society, ecology and technical innovation.

Romania and Serbia are the BSEC countries joining the Route.

Art Nouveau (or ‘’New Style’’) was driven by aesthetic ideals and an enthusiasm for modernity, exploiting the possibilities of industrial technologies and new materials, combined with meticulous workmanship and a scrupulous eye for detail. Each country’s creative centres brought their own flavour to the style by incorporating local specificities resulting in a wonderful concordance of architecture, furniture and decoration, called the “total work of art”.

Although Art Nouveau was strongly discredited and disappeared quickly, it began to be appreciated during the latter half of the 20^th century and, as a result, many efforts were made for its preservation.

As for the two BSEC countries, they are connected with the Route through:

- Oradea (Romania). During the 19^th century, the city saw a boom in the creation of spectacular buildings, earning the nickname of “Petit Paris”. 

- Subotica (Serbia). The town’s multicultural spirit created a cosmopolitan atmosphere which is still present today.

Bonus Trivia!

- The style came into being in 1893 when Victor Horta introduced iron and casting into the homes of the bourgeoisie in Brussels. These industrial materials enabled him to breathe space into home interiors, allowing air and light to circulate.

- Art Nouveau is intimately correlated with the rediscovery of Japanese art. The fluidity of lines, asymmetrical compositions without geometric perspective and delicate shades of colour created this new ornamental vocabulary.

BONUS!

‘’About Art Nouveau’’ blog is a unique opportunity to better explore this artistic trend. In 2019, it received the Special Mentions of the Europa Nostra Awards.

Sources: https://www.coe.int/en/web/cultural-routes/reseau-art-nouveau-network, https://www.artnouveau-net.eu/

Photographs taken from: https://www.artnouveau-net.eu/

Photograph No 1: Mansion of Ferenc Raichle, 1904 |©Željko Vukelić

Photograph No 2: Rimanóczy Kálmán Sen. Palace | ©Larisa Birta

Photographs No 3: Deutsch K. Ignác Glassware and Porcelain Store | ©Larisa Birta

Photograph No 4, 6: Sinagoga, Komor Marcell & Jakab Dezső, 1902 |©Srdjan Bajic

Photograph No 5: Unirii Square | ©Larisa Birta

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