Goddesses of art nouveau
By: editorial board, Wim Hupperetz [and 4 others] ; authors, Martijn Akkerman [and 17 others]
Contributors: Hupperetz, W. M. H. (Wilhelmus Michaël Hubertus), 1966- editor; Allard Pierson Museum (Universiteit van Amsterdam)
Publisher: WBOOKS
Published: 2020
Place of publication: Zwolle
Language: eng
Number of pages: 192
ISBN-13: 9789462584051
Subjects: Decoration and ornament; Art nouveau; Women in art; Art objects
Description: The Allard Pierson, in partnership with two museums in Germany, is compiling an exhibition about the international art nouveau movement. Key features of this style, which held sway throughout Europe from 1890 to 1910, are flowing lines and floral motifs. Another characteristic is the frequent depiction of beautiful females. Many of them are divine figures taken from classical antiquity, Byzantine icons, medieval legends and contemporary muses. In 'Goddesses of Art Nouveau' this fascination for female beauty is examined more closely in the context of the social developments of the period. What is particularly striking is that the women, with their luxuriant hair and transparent robes, not only looked like goddesses but also functioned as such. Almost invariably they symbolized something larger than themselves, lending designs a symbolic meaning and often embodying higher ideals, human feelings or timeless virtues. The exhibition and catalogue feature not only goddesses but also nymphs, angels and fairies in jewels, sculptures, drawings, magazines and advertising material, and on all sorts of decorative objects made of silver, glass or ceramics. Exhibition: Allard Pierson Museum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (23.10.2020-21.03.2021)
Notes: Catalog of an exhibition held at the Allard Pierson Museum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from October 23, 2020 - March 21, 2021