If you're unfamiliar with art nouveau, let me fill you in. French for "new art," art nouveau was an international movement popular at the turn of the twentieth century. It's also known as "Stile Liberty" in Italy and, in Germany, "Jugendstil" (Youth Style). Art nouveau is epitomized by floral motifs and curved lines. The art genre was especially influenced by Czech artist Alphonse Mucha. Other contributors include Hector Guimard, Emile Galle, Victor Horta, Gustav Klimt, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Rene Lalique, Antoni Guadi, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
Alphonse Mucha print.
Probably the best examples of art nouvea architecture can be found in Riga, the capital of Latvia. At the turn of the twentieth century, over 40% of the buildings were built in this style.
Facade of a building in Riga.
Today, the relatively obscure city of Riga is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) heritage site for its stunning art nouveau architecture.
An art nouveau staircase in Riga.
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