The 'Fin de Siecle'

GLASGOW

In Glasgow, a unique type of Art Nouveau developed, originating from the ‘Glasgow Four’; Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Margaret MacDonald, Frances MacDonald and Herbert McNair. As a group, they explored a variety of media including painting, book illustration, interiors, architecture and even furniture.
​
One of the most recognisable symbols of Art Nouveau in Glasgow is the School of Arts building which famously features a sculpture by Mackintosh and is one of the few places in the UK where you will find such examples of the movement.

The style developed by Mackintosh featured lots of linear structures and lattice designs which allowed for the artwork to be enhanced by its surroundings. In comparison to some of the other Art Nouveau styles from around the world, the style developed in Glasgow is evidently a lot less dramatic and exotic.

Vienna

​Art Nouveau in Vienna blossomed around the turn of the 20th century and is characterised by its very decorative and organic designs, often featuring lots of gold and vibrant colours, in a much more traditional style. Two of the most influential Austrian architects/artists of this period were Otto Wagner and Adolf Loos who helped build the basis of the city skyline we see today.
​
One of the things that sets apart the Art Nouveau style in Vienna apart from other styles is the use of organic ornamentation and vivid colour choices as well as very intricate and detailed designs, which is rather different in contrast to the more modern take on Art Nouveau seen in Glasgow. 

​Madrid

The most obvious form of Art Nouveau in Madrid is that of the extravagant architecture found throughout the city. The colour palette found throughout these buildings and designs is slightly softer and lighter than that of other examples, like Vienna. A particular stand-out feature of this architecture is the stained-glass windows, featuring an array of colours,  notably plenty of yellows and blues. In comparison to the style found in Vienna, Art Nouveau in Madrid is more simple and cleaner cut, potentially making it more elegant and appealing. 

The most notable staple of Art Nouveau in Madrid is the Palacio de Longoria. It is recognisable because of its luxurious, highly ornamental exterior. Inside, the main feature is the rather striking imperial staircase, which is circular in shape and gets its inspiration from French Art Nouveau architecture, much like the rest of the decor.

nancy

Between 1890 and 1914, a group of Art Nouveau artists called 'The Ecole de Nancy' (Nancy School) introduced the style to the city. Emile Galle was a particularly influential figure that worked with this group, who's inspiration came from natural forms and shapes.

Again, similarly to Madrid, the colour palette here is also somewhat muted and includes lots of blues and yellows. That being said though, there are elements that can be linked back to Glasgow Art Nouveau with the rather simplistic lines and shapes that also feature subdued tones. The thing that sets this apart from the other styles is the floral and free flowing natural forms in contrast to the more polished and refined lines found within other cities' architecture.