Aconit 2 1896

Maurice Pillard Verneuil made this print called 'Aconit 2', a design study of the aconite plant. It reflects the aesthetics of the Art Nouveau movement in France. Verneuil was a key figure in the institutional debates of the time, caught between the industrialized methods and the old guild system, and 'Aconit 2' sits right in the middle of these debates. Notice how Verneuil repeats the flowers and foliage, creating stylized patterns, and the flat, decorative style, typical of the movement that aimed to bring art into everyday life, by making art accessible. Art Nouveau was more than just a style, it was an ideology that aimed to overcome the division of art and craft. Artists like Verneuil looked to the natural world for inspiration. 'Aconit 2' is not just a pretty picture, it's a statement about the role of art in society. To understand Verneuil and his art, you can delve into design history, explore the socio-political context of France at the turn of the century, and investigate the debates surrounding art, craft, and industry.