Art Nouveau is an art and design movement that emerged in the late 19th century, flourishing between 1890 and 1910 across Europe and the United States. It sought to break away from historical styles, embracing modernity through organic forms and flowing lines inspired by nature.

Influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement and Japanese woodblock prints, Art Nouveau unified fine arts and applied arts, emphasising beauty in everyday objects. It appeared in architecture, interior design, jewellery, glassware, posters and illustration.

Key figures include Gustav Klimt, known for his gilded paintings featuring intricate patterns, and Alphonse Mucha, whose posters depicted elegant women surrounded by floral motifs. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec contributed with his bold, dynamic posters capturing Parisian nightlife, blending flat colours and fluid lines. Architect Antoni Gaudí applied Art Nouveau principles to his fantastical buildings in Barcelona, while Hector Guimard designed the iconic Paris Métro entrances.

In decorative arts, Louis Comfort Tiffany created opalescent leaded-glass windows, chandeliers and lamps, and René Lalique crafted exquisite jewellery featuring naturalistic elements. Art Nouveau’s emphasis on craftsmanship and harmonious design marked a departure from industrial mass production. Although its popularity declined by the onset of World War I, its influence is evident in later movements such as Art Deco and modernist design.