There are also stunning paintings and sculptures, but the decorative arts were at the core of art nouveau. An extraordinary number of masterworks were produced in book design, ceramics, furniture, glass, jewelry metalwork, prints, and textiles. If today art nouveau appears to be unquestionably part of the Western stylistic canon, this has only very recently been the case. The style has been the subject of intense and violent debate ever since its demise, while during its lifetime it was often characterized as being an aggressive revolution, which often led potentially supportive critics to be cautious of it. Protest unsupported by affirmative purpose is short lived.
Mere negation means final extinction.
Others were far less gentle than Hamlin. Those who invented and promoted art nouveau had an informed patronage that included museums, which warmly supported the style. However, it was fanatically attacked by many, who felt it heralded the end of civilization. Indeed, the strength and longevity of feeling against it remain a most surprising and interesting indication of the extent to which art affects life. It belongs to the young ladies seminary and the duffers paradise.