Until January 26, the Reggia di Venaria hosts the exhibition “Art Nouveau: The Triumph of Beauty” dedicated to one of the major artistic movements that took hold in Europe and the United States at the end of the 19th century.
With a collection of 200 works, the exhibition, curated by Katy Spurrell and Valerio Terraroli, tells how Art Nouveau established itself with its new and decidedly modern style characterized by visionary creations and the intensive use of curved lines and arabesques.
To help you prepare for your visit, we thought we would provide you with a guide to the exhibition “Art Nouveau: The Triumph of Beauty.”
This brief guide to the exhibition “Art Nouveau: The Triumph of Beauty” will suggest some interpretative keys that may prove useful during your visit.
Considered an international movement, Art Nouveau is a movement that spread throughout Europe and the United States between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a collective movement known by various names depending on the geographical area referred to. In Great Britain, it is called Modern Style, Sezessionstil in Austria, Jugendstil in Germany, Modernismo in Spain, and Liberty in Italy.
Conceived as total art, Art Nouveau embraces the entire universe of artistic production of the time: from architecture to painting, from furniture to sculpture, and even music.
Against Industrial Production
The theoretical foundations of Art Nouveau emerge in Great Britain, with the Arts & Crafts movement, whose aim is to reevaluate craftsmanship against the overwhelming industrial production. Opposed to the drifts of industrialization and the creative depletion it entails, the Arts & Crafts movement advocates a return to the spirit of medieval guilds, the study of natural motifs, and the use of purified forms.
Oak washbasin, circa 1894. 
John Henry Dearle, Screen, 1885-1910
The Call of Nature
One of the most important characteristics of the Art Nouveau style is its inspiration from nature, studying its structural elements.
Art Nouveau is based on the aesthetics of curved lines, characterized by inventiveness, the presence of rhythms, colors, and ornaments, inspired by trees, flowers, insects, and animals. Birds, in particular, are frequently used as decorative motifs. The wings of butterflies and dragonflies are among the favored subjects, while peacocks are particularly appreciated for their spectacular plumage and dazzling colors.
Vican, Pendant, c. 1900 
Muller Frères, Table Lamp, 1925 
Emile Gallé, Nancy, c. 1920
Curved Line and Color
The curved line and color become the protagonists of new forms, while various materials are called upon to enhance their decorative effect. Not only functional objects but also urban furniture draws inspiration from the variety of the plant world in the decoration of building facades, in the wrought iron used for stations, such as the famous Paris Metro station or the buildings of Vienna and Brussels.
Porte Dauphine Station, Paris 
Otto Wagner, Majolica Tiles, Vienna 
Maison Cauchie, Brussels
The Female Figure in Art Nouveau
Towards the end of the 19th century, there was a significant development and strengthening of women’s status, who, as subjects of admiration, representation, and decoration, assumed a prominent position in the art of the fin de siècle period.
Women gain greater independence also thanks to the great revolution of the “dress reform movement”, which makes them freer in terms of clothing.
Corsets are abandoned in favor of more practical, comfortable garments better suited for outdoor activities.
Designers of Art Nouveau begin to develop less restrictive, lighter, and easier-to-wear clothing. Soft, transparent fabrics and sinuous lines with more modern tones emerge.
Not just wives and mothers but also artists and intellectuals, women are undoubtedly the most represented subjects by Art Nouveau artists.
The most popular theme of Art Nouveau style posters is therefore women, symbols of modernity and beauty.
Often surrounded by flowers, slender, attractive, nude, and with flowing hair, women are portrayed by artists as ethereal, seductive, feminine, and highly idealized beings.
Now that you have all the necessary tools, all that’s left is to go see the extraordinary works on display at the Reggia di Venaria in person! While you prepare for your visit, on Artsupp you can enjoy a little preview of the exhibition!!
Visit the exhibition Art Nouveau: The Triumph of Beauty on Artsupp, until January 26 at the Reggia di Venaria.
