Jewel-encrusted Easter eggs, a famous Russian artist and the Royal family are the subjects of a two-part lecture series on Art Nouveau at Bowers Museum—for the non-art history majors, that means “new art” in French. The European-based artistic style debuted at the turn of the 20th century and influenced artists across the globe. In this first lecture, art historian and lecturer Jackie Powell explores the historical context, origins and aesthetics of Art Nouveau, discussing architects and designers Victor Horta of Belgium, Antonio Gaudi of Spain, and the notable Faberge of Russia. The lecture coincides with Bowers' June 23 exhibit opening “Faberge: Imperial Jeweler to the Tsars.” Faberge's Imperial-styled eggs designed for the Russian royal family highlights the core of Art Nouveau: turning the everyday object into something extraordinary.
Tue., June 19, 1:30 p.m., 2012
