Art Deco vs. Art Nouveau: What’s The Difference? Art History 101

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Music: “Vintage Memories” by schematist
“Solstice Spirit” by Foxxy Mulderr
“Cocktail Hour” by Aaron Kenny
“Chromatic Rag” by Mini Vandals

[SetsunaKai]

Art Nouveau is what it would look like if an elf were to build something.
Art Deco is what it would look like if a dwarf built something.

[Victorianghost-qcjk]

I love art Nouveau because it symbolizes humanity working with nature while art deco symbolizes humanity’s triumph over it by embracing industrial design over nature

[HealthyThinkingsubstack]

6:59 art deco lasted longer because it’s easier to manufacture and can be done by machines, whereas the curves of art nouveau require human talent

[Kjt]

I don’t think it’s at all difficult to tell the difference — art nouveau, swirly and vegetative; art deco, geometric, industrial.

[LordBackuro]

I find when combined both look immaculate together. Some of the OBJECTIVELY most beautiful interior design and architectural aesthetics/styles.

[AdamIshak]

As a fantasy lover, the best way I remember it is:

Art Nouveau is made by elves.
Art Deco is made by dwarves.

[kathleenstoin]

Another factor with Art Deco is the Egyptian influence. King Tutankhamen's tomb was discovered in 1922, and the beautiful objects in it captured the imagination of the world. You can see little bits of Egyptian-looking designs in some Art Deco artwork.

[GingerPeacenik]

Back when I was working at Disney as a 2D animation artist, one of the golden age animators who trained me was named Walt Stanchfeild, and he taught me the principal of "straights opposite curves". The human eye is most attracted to that which displays strong straight forms opposite curved forms; think of a sexy fit man or woman; a flexed bicep has curves on top and straighter muscle lines below, a (natural) breast in profile has a straight plane above the nipple and curved portion below it, a shapely leg in profile has a straight boney area and curves where calf and thigh muscles are present. Meanwhile an obese person is mostly curves against curves, and a very thin person is mostly straights against straights. It extends into nature; a massive live oak will grab out eye more than a cypress tree thanks to it's very dramatic straights opposite curves, an Arabian horse is considered by most to be more beautiful than a heavy draft horse for the same reasons. We think of Art Nouveau as "curvy" and Art Deco as having many more straights, but BOTH generally make dramatic use of the straights opposite curves principle, which contributes to their timeless appeal.

[bearlogg]

Wish they would stop fighting and get married.
Celebrating both human strength and it's place in nature, Art Decau if you will

[sherrillsturm]

I've never had a clear distinction before. Thank you.

[kailiekelsey]

I love these videos so much! The details in the text are everything. Please make more of these I could watch for hours!!

[ROMANTIKILLER]

Art Nouveau is one of my favourite styles, with Mucha's printing decorating the walls of my flat, and I am thus rather lucky that I live in a place where that architecture can still be found in many buildings.
Art Deco is in my eyes probably the only "modernist" style that still maintains a largely accessible aesthetic quality, unlike later soul-crushing movements like Brutalism or whatever current the current aseptic angular horrors belongs to.

[joyceterrizzi]

Thank you so much for this wonderful piece of art education. I’ve loved both styles my whole life, and didn’t know why. Your explanation of time and art, told me everything about myself, that I’d never put to words. Thank you

[edgabel]

Love both, but the Tiffany glass of art nouveau always gives a warm feeling.

[Eric-Marsh]

I like Art Deco but I love Art Nouveau.

[SpanishEclectic]

This was a great summary with good examples. I love Mucha and have a number of his (reproduction) pieces in my home. I discovered Gaudi in 8th Grade Spanish class, and adore his buildings. I like Art Deco for public spaces, but find Art Nouveau more 'cozy' and intimate. My great-uncle was a professional artist/illustrator who began his career in the late 1920s doing travel posters, advertising art for steamship companies, and designs for building decoration. I have a print of a poster he did of Rio di Janiero from before the Christ the Redeemer statue was completed.

[JacquelynLowry-gyde]

I love them both, as they are each inspirational and imaginative, and soothing.

[rowenaeureka]

Such a helpful video! I never studied art history and had heard these terms but didn't fully understand them. This was a quick and enjoyable way to learn! I slightly prefer Art Nouveau but now see how much Art Deco there is in my world

[christinejalandoni]

My take is Art Nouveau is more nature while Art Deco is more techno/futuristic. Both are beautiful in their own right.

[ikeeptime]

When I and my brothers were growing up in Rockford IL we spent many a Saturday at the cavernous 2400 seat Coranado Theater. The entire building is as artful a place as any other piece of architecture in America. I used to just sit before the movie started and look up into the wrought iron oriental dragons, Spanish castles and the ceiling painted deep blue with stars. Opened in 1927 it is one of the country;s most beautiful example of Art Deco structures.