A style of art, architecture and design born in the late 19th century and lasting until the early 20th century. It is characterized by sinuous lines, organic shapes and floral motifs (in Italy it was also called Floral Style).

It was a movement that broke away from traditional historicist styles, and had a profound impact on art, architecture and design around the world.

The Origins of Art Nouveau – Liberty Style

Art Nouveau was born in Europe, particularly in France, Belgium and Austria. Its origins are linked to the Arts and Crafts movement, which opposed industrialization and promoted craftsmanship and the use of natural materials.

The Arts and Crafts movement had been founded in England in 1860 byWilliam Morris, who criticized industrialization and the mass production of poor-quality items. Morris argued that art and design should be accessible to all, and that it should be made from natural, artisanal materials.

Art Nouveau inherited from Arts and Crafts the idea of art and design that was accessible to all and was made from natural materials. However, Art Nouveau also embraced modernity, and sought to create art and design that was suited to the industrial age.

The historical period is characterized by profound geopolitical changes. Europe is in full colonial expansion and technological progress revolutionizes society. In this context, Art Nouveau proposed itself as a movement breaking with the past, and an expression of the new modern era.

Art Nouveau was also a movement that reflected the social context of its time. Society was in turmoil, and there was a growing desire for change. Art Nouveau represented this desire for change, and sought to create art and design that was more democratic and accessible.

Concept of modernity in the Art Nouveau style

Liberty was a movement that embraced modernity. Its artists and designers were fascinated by new technologies and new materials, and sought to create art and design that was suited to the industrial age but did not forget the role of nature.

The concept of modernity was at the center of the philosophical debate of the time. Modernist philosophers, such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Henri Bergson, argued that modernity was characterized by a sense of accelerating time and change. This change was due to industrialization, technology and the opening of geographical horizons.

The Liberty Style

Breaking from the rigid geometry of the past, the Art Nouveau style was characterized by the flowing lines that can be found in nature. Many of the characteristic forms of Art Nouveau were possible to realize in architecture thanks to the advent of new techniques which now allowed the modeling of metals, glass and even the use of cement.

The Art Nouveau became the hallmark of a new generation of upper and middle classes seeking to build residences and commercial buildings that reflected their distance from the continent’s historic aristocracy. At the same time, thanks to its sumptuousness, the new style also reflected the “power” acquired by the bourgeoisie in spite of the nobility considered in many cases to be the main impediment to change.

The Liberty reached its heyday after theTurin Exposition of 1902, and the main centers of Floral style architecture in Italy are scattered everywhere, but almost always coincide with areas where the economy was booming at the end of the 19th century and nouveau riche industrialists and entrepreneurs commissioned houses, offices and factories.

Cities like Milan, Turin and Rome they are home to a number of important Art Nouveau buildings, as well as Florence, Lucca and Viareggio. Also Palermo holds an astonishing Liberty masterpiece.

The Liberty Style is characterized by a series of distinctive elements all inspired by Nature, including:

• Sinuous lines: the lines are fluid and rounded, and often intertwine with each other. In fact, Nature manifests itself to Man in the majority of its expressions with sinuous shapes and waves.
• Organic Shapes: the shapes, often being inspired by Nature, recall flowers, insects, algae, leaves and plants.
• Floreal Patterns: Floral patterns are very common, and are often used elaborately.