Around the close of the 1800s, graphic designers began paying closer attention to the use of pattern, design and shape in their works. The man who used those same elements and actually changed the way that graphic designers looked at a page, died at the age of only 26 years. Artists continue to attempt to copy his highly individualistic interpretation of art nouveau.
Oscar Wilde was considered one of the most controversial, important literary figures of his time, who believed art was unto itself, who championed the idea of having a myriad of artistic styles, and didn't think art should ever be judged based on ethical or moral concerns. Wilde was drawn to Beardsley's style, which was much like his own writing style; rich, erotic and fanciful. Beardsley favored elegant, curving lines, organic, botanically inspired shapes, lacy interlocking patterns and elongated figures in his illustrations of Wilde's written stories.
A pronounced interplay between positive and negative space defines this artist's noteworthy style. He employs huge planes and borders or alternatively darkness that contrasts with fragile patterns that play on a white surface. His page is most often asymmetrical, and his movements are developed by big, unbroken meandering curves. The people depicted in the renderings are basic sketches, though items such as hair and garments are frequently quite detailed. The power of his art was created by the interweaving of simple elegance and complicated precision.
A number of late 19th century design professionals were inspired by items imported from Japan and also by a rejuvenated fondness for early Renaissance and medieval artwork. The young designer's work was copied far and wide in Europe and over the pond in the United States, thus giving him great fame from his illustrations, which appeared in many popular publications. Currently, a great deal of this art is available as reproduction prints and posters.
Poster art slowly grew from what was a commercial advertising medium into its very own art form at the end of the 19th century. Posters were produced in color, unlike the black and white books of the time. The leaders of most poster designs started focusing on a large, eye catching image with bright colors. Kept brief and to the point were the words which provided information about the product. Recognizing the way to catch somebody's attention was to simplify, he continued to keep his shapes both flat and simple, while his colors were powerful. His lines proved to be a little hesitant and broken, as in an Impressionist era painting. His pieces are heralded as classic art nouveau posters' forerunners.
The very creator of the proper art nouveau poster used more fluid contours and stronger outlines in his distinctive illustrations. His work is marked by youthful, willowy girls wearing loose fitting clothes and with long flowing hair that floats out into fantastic forms. Other artists became noteworthy by limiting their canvas to tall, thin shapes, filled with the image of a single woman. Such complex involved patterns use a range of sources for inspiration, such as fold art, Arab and Moorish decorating, Hebrew letters, Byzantine mosaics, Celtic themes, and Japanese wood cuttings.
Books and reprints are available today for many of the turn-of-the-century artists. If you want the originals, there are dealers whose specialty is 19th and early 20th century pieces. These dealers can frequently be found in stand-alone stalls at big antique markets. If you go, be ready to deal with prices from hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars for any original pieces that are in excellent condition.
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