I got some great books for my birthday. This image by Koloman Moser (1899) is from a small book simply called Art Nouveau. It's chock full of glossy colour illustrations and photos but more importantly it explains the difference between the terms "Art Nouveau", "Secession", ""Belle Époque" and "Arts and Crafts". It's also quite compact so I'll be able to read it in bed!
Here are two more classic images from the book: Peter Behrens' The Kiss from 1898 and Alphonse Mucha's Sarah Bernhardt "La Plume" 1896.
I think I'm going to have a lot of fun with this book!
Happy Friday everyone and many thanks for your birthday wishes!! They made my day!!
That looks a gorgeous book. I love that whole period. And one of my favourite things over the last year was visiting the Mucha museum in Prague - such an interesting artist.
Wish you a belated Happy Birthday for yesterday too - that was lovely post too ! :)
Posted by: Rhiannon | October 16, 2009 at 06:46 PM
This book is really gorgeous and the images are so much fun! I am sure your gonna be so inspire by it. :) Hope your stil having a good birthday celebration. Have a lovely merry happy day and a wonderful weekend! Love to you!
Posted by: Jacqueline | October 17, 2009 at 01:42 AM
Such gorgeous illustrations and designs and the book sounds very interesting dear Sam! Today you increased my faux french by adding 'Belle Époque' to my vocabulary... the beautiful era. Magnifique!
Wishing you a beautiful weekend my favorite Sam!!
Posted by: Gabbi | October 17, 2009 at 03:37 AM
what a glorious book! i bet it will give you so many ideas, so much knowledge, and so much inspiration!
and i am so sorry i missed the big day! happy belated birthday! keep on celebrating -- all year long! :)
Posted by: drollgirl | October 17, 2009 at 05:18 AM
Have a fun weekend Sam, I liked the embroidery! xx
Posted by: Gemma | October 17, 2009 at 05:56 AM
I HAVE that book and love it...I adore the art nouveau period...I totally want to get some paws on some art nouveau furniture..it's so creative and beautiful.
You're like my husband, his favorite things to get for his birthday is art books...we're still waiting for the 5 we just ordered from Amazon.
Have a Great Weekend Sam!! xox
Posted by: Kathleen | October 17, 2009 at 06:13 AM
Yes I can see you getting much inspiration from these books...and darlin a big happy birthday from me...hope you're still celebrating...think a week at least is needed...
Posted by: Chrisy | October 17, 2009 at 08:52 AM
This book looks so beautiful and inspiring! Thank you for sharing these images!
Posted by: Anna | October 17, 2009 at 09:41 AM
Your scored some very lovely looking books! I hope that your birthday celebrations spill on over to the weekend and you have a most wonderful one Sam! Super weather this weekend so far here in Brissy, so I hope yours is the same :) xo
Posted by: Tracy | October 17, 2009 at 10:13 AM
You had some amazing birthday books! giving books is such a great gift!
Posted by: Diana | October 18, 2009 at 03:54 AM
I love Art Nouveau. I'm thinking of getting my first tattoo this winter, and want my ink to be Art Nouveau inspired. :-)
Posted by: Treacle | October 18, 2009 at 01:10 PM
oh I need to get that Art Nouveau book
Posted by: Taru | October 28, 2009 at 10:56 PM