Around 1880, a new decorative style developed in Europe that radically broke with prevailing artistic conventions. Variations of this style included Jugendstil in Germany and Arts & Crafts in England. The variety that emerged in French-speaking countries became known as Art Nouveau, literally ‘new art’. This style was typified by its organic forms, stylised floral compositions and abundant use of curves. Asian, most notably Japanese, influences were evident in the shapes and colours, as well as in recurring themes such as fish, birds, vegetation, clouds and other natural phenomena.

Art Nouveau Designs is part of a series that covers the decorative styles prevalent in Europe since the beginning of the Western calendar.

Agile Rabbit Editions contain stunning images for use as a graphic resource, or inspiration. All the illustrations are stored in high-resolution format on the enclosed free CD-ROM and are ready to use for professional quality printed media and web page design. The pictures can also be used to produce postcards, or to decorate your letters, flyers, etc. They can be imported directly from the CD into most design, image-manipulation, illustration, word-processing and e-mail programs; no installation is required. For most applications, single images can be used free of charge. Please consult our section on image rights for conditions.

more books in Agile Rabbit historical & cultural styles