Vase c. 1900

Lucien Gaillard fashioned this vase out of bronze in France, likely around the turn of the 20th century. Its stylized plant motifs and fluid lines are hallmarks of the Art Nouveau movement. Art Nouveau was consciously modern and internationalist, and this vase signals the period’s enthusiasm for incorporating natural forms into functional objects, blurring the line between art and design. The choice of bronze, a material traditionally associated with sculpture, elevates the vase beyond mere craft. Consider how this piece reflects the social and economic conditions of its time. The late 19th century was a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization. Art Nouveau emerged as a reaction against mass production, advocating for handcrafted, unique objects. It's a style that was embraced by the rising middle class. To understand Art Nouveau fully, you'll want to delve into design history, looking at journals and exhibition catalogs. These sources shed light on the movement's aims and its impact on the decorative arts.