Graphic illustrators near the end of the 19th century were using all the important elements of design, shape and pattern. When he died, the man who so influenced graphic design and its elements was a mere 26 years of age. Throughout the 20th century, artists have attempted to copy his personal interpretation of art nouveau style which he developed during his short life.
Oscar Wilde played a major role in the propagation of the Art Nouveau style, despite being a controversial personality and more directly associated with literature over art. He believed that art should not be limited by ethical or moral concerns.
Wilde chose this important figure in the history of Art Nouveau style to create imagery for a story of his which was considered 'perverse' and 'exotic'. Using elegant sweeping lines and patterns, clever distortions and sinister eroticism, the young illustrator created a visual compliment to the tale.
His work often illustrates the interaction between black and white. The delicate patterns created on a white background are strongly contrasted with the large borders and other areas of darkness.
His page was commonly unbalanced and the artistic movement was displayed with sweeping, continuous and undulating curves. Oscar places figures in his renderings constructed of simple outlines. However, the figure's hairdos are intricate and elaborate.
The items the figures hold are complex as well. The power of his art was created by the interweaving of simple elegance and complicated precision.
Japanese art, as well a a revival in medieval art forms and early Renaissance work inspired designers at the end of the 19th century. The artist's pieces were often copied in Europe and America and he gained notoriety due to illustrations having turned up in a series of renowned materials for circulation. Nowadays, a great deal of his work is reproduced to be employed as framed posters and prints hung on walls.
It was toward the end of the 19th century that poster art began to evolve from being a medium of commercial advertising into a completely separate art form. During this time period, books were solely in black and white. However, posters had begun to be produced in color as well.
Poster design was usually focused on a single, bright, eye-catching element. Product information was kept as minimal as possible. He knew that the audience's attention was more easily attracted to simplicity so he used vivid colors and flat, basic shapes.
These lines could be called hesitant, and were sometimes fractured, a bit like an impressionist would create. Tbis artist's work is therefore widely known as the precursor to the true art nouveau poster aesthetic.
The person who is credited with originating the proper art nouveau poster used stronger outlines and more billowing contours. His work is always characterized by willowy young girls in rather loose clothing, and with their hair that's long, flowing, and billows out in capricious forms.
There was another popular art nouveau poster designer who created graceful, thin strips. On one of them there was typically a head to toe rendering of a lady. There are a variety of sources these complicated and intricate patterns draw from, including Hebrew lettering as well as fold art, Moorish and Arab decoration, Japanese wood cuts, Byzantine mosaics, and Celtic motifs.
In the reprints and books highlighting their work, you will find much information on the turn of the century graphic design artists. You will also find there are dealers who will specialize in the sale of 19th, and early 20th century poster art.
Quite often you can locate them at the larger international style antique shows in booths they've set up. If you find an original piece in excellent condition, you can expect to pay hundreds, possibly thousands, for the honor of owning it.
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