Trend Alert: Art Nouveau
A description published in Pan magazine of Hermann Obrist's wall hanging Cyclamen (1894) described it as "sudden violent curves generated by the crack of a whip", which became well known during the early spread of Art Nouveau. Subsequently, not only did the work itself become better known as The Whiplash but the term "whiplash" is frequently applied to the characteristic curves employed by Art Nouveau artists. Such decorative "whiplash" motifs, formed by dynamic, undulating, and flowing lines in a syncopated rhythm and asymmetrical shape, are found throughout the architecture, painting, sculpture, and other forms of Art Nouveau design.
The style is mostly characterized by rhythmic floral patterns, flat perspective and strong colors of Japanese wood block prints, organic forms and references to the natural world. Iron decoration in curves inspired by floral and vegetal forms both in the interiors and exteriors took the form of stairway railings in the interior, light fixtures, and other details in the interior, and balconies and other ornaments on the exterior. Metal works became the most distinctive features of Art Nouveau.
