Art Nouveau versus Art Deco?

Between 1850 and 1950, the western world experienced significant architectural revolutions. In an attempt to understand the essence of this flamboyant century, many labels have been applied to it, including Art Nouveau and Art Deco. No matter the era, country or style, architects and artists were all driven by the same desire for renewal, often the same questions and, at times, the same sources of inspiration. This book presents a nuanced perspective on these developments, interpreting them by creating a dialogue between the successive generations at the turn of the twentieth century.

The period is explored through the chair, an iconic object that reflects architecture and interior design but also social and technical changes. From this object, it is possible to revisit the architectural and decorative shifts in all their complexity.

Designed in two parts, this book takes a dual approach: first, a comprehensive illustrated overview, allowing for the (re)discovery of 31 [SW2] architects and designers who were engaged with their own eras; and second, case studies and new perspectives presented by some of the leading experts of this period.