When art nouveau was showcased first in Paris and then in London, there was outrage; people either loved it or loathed it. Within the style itself there are two distinct looks: curvy lines and the more austere, linear look of artists such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Some aspects of art nouveau were revived again in the 1960s.
Style
sinuous, elongated, curvy lines
the whiplash line
vertical lines and height
stylised flowers, leaves, roots, buds and seedpods
the female form - in a pre-Raphaelite pose with long, flowing hair
exotic woods, marquetry, iridescent glass, silver and semi-precious stones
Influences
arts and crafts - art nouveau shared the same belief in quality goods and fine craftsmanship but was happy with mass production
rococo style
botanical research