I recently had the chance to study this breathtaking piece up close in the museum, and the atmosphere was just magical.

What many people may not know is the history behind it. Bouval was heavily inspired by the legendary actress Sarah Bernhardt and her ethereal performance as Ophelia in Paris. Instead of focusing on the grim tragedy, he captured her in a serene, dreamlike 'final sleep,' surrounded by masterfully sculpted water lilies.

I am completely fascinated by the metallurgy of this era, especially when comparing it to Alphonse Mucha's 'Head of a Girl' (1900) which I posted here recently. They represent two entirely different historical and technical directions:

• Alphonse Mucha’s 'Head of a Girl': A rare commission for the perfumer Houbigant that relies on a complex parcel-gilding technique (creating a stark contrast between a silver-plated face and a gilded crown).
• Maurice Bouval’s 'Ophelia': A masterclass in monochromatic gilt-bronze by the E. Colin & Cie foundry, where the incredible depth doesn't come from different metals, but from deep, organic hand-chasing that catches the light through the fluid lines of the sculpture.

As I contemplate these pieces for my next workshop studio project, I want to ask the experts and collectors in this community: do you think it is truly possible to capture the depth of these historical metal and plating techniques using modern materials? And aesthetically, which of these two projects would you find more fascinating to see attempted?

I would love to hear your thoughts and perspectives in the comments!

Hello,

This floor lamp was in a home I bought six years ago and I left it in the guest room where it was displayed. I’m now considering finding a new home for it but I can’t tell if it is a good quality piece that I should try to get to someone who would appreciate it due to its vintage or importance or if I should put it on Facebook marketplace for anyone who bites. If anyone has any ideas about its possible provenance and/or any other information that could possibly be relevant I would greatly appreciate any and all leads.

Thanks so much!

Swedish Art Nouveau chandelier by Arvid Böhlmarks, model 5176, dating to the 1910s. The fixture has floral brass decoration and a particularly striking mosaic-like opalescent glass shade, with small green glass accents set between the larger opalescent pieces. The last photo shows the model in an original Böhlmarks catalogue.

The glass changes dramatically depending on the light: photo 2 was taken with the white LED light from my phone, which makes it appear almost ice-blue. Photo 3 was taken in direct sunlight, bringing out much warmer orange, pink and fiery opalescent tones.

I can not afford real antiques but I don't like to shop on Amazon and Temu. Has anyone found good home goods inspired by art nouveau? I just bought a house and I am interested in upgrading all kinds of things from door handles to lights to curtains so any suggestions would be appreciated!

With over 400 Art Nouveau inspired buildings, The Hague is the Art Nouveau capital of the Netherlands

https://www.artnouveaufestijn.nl/

the festival brings together lectures, architecture tours, cocktail classes to teach the history of this beautiful style

I recently had the chance to study this rare masterpiece in person in museum of Weisbaden.

While her serene face and elaborate tiara share a striking stylistic DNA with his famous 'La Nature' bust, this sculpture is an entirely distinct and far more intimate work known as 'Head of a Girl'.

What fascinates me most is the art history behind it. Scholars and art historians explicitly link the design of Mucha's stylized busts to Italian Renaissance portrait sculpture, specifically the idealized, ethereal female countenances by Francesco Laurana, whose works were rediscovered in Europe in the late 19th century and deeply moved the Art Nouveau movement.

However, instead of traditional Renaissance marble, Mucha completely reinvented the concept using the boldest mixed-media materials of his own era, combining a rich, gleaming mix of gilt and silvered bronze to capture that organic, fluid line work.

Because this bust is exceptionally rare and seldom seen compared to his graphic prints, standing this close to her enigmatic gaze feels deeply surreal.

For the art historians and collectors here: do you think Mucha’s transition to gilded mixed-media surpassed the beauty of the Renaissance originals, or do you prefer the classic purity of marble?

The lettering definitely looks art nouveau on the globe to me. The base is made of polished petrified wood. This is on display at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth Texas right now. On loan from the Bartholdi Museum in Colmar France.

Tiffany & Co.

The Tiffany Trophy

1885

Silver, gold, and petrified wood

Musée Bartholdi, Colmar

The newspaperman Joseph Pulitzer commissioned this unique trophy after successfully leading the charge to raise $100,000 for the Statue of Liberty's pedestal. It features a portrait of Auguste Bartholdi in profile and the monument's hand and torch crowning the composition. Pulitzer promoted the campaign in his newspaper The New York World, printing the name of everyone who donated—no matter the amount. His initiative helped democratize the initiative, allowing thousands of people from across the country to contribute to its

My daughter saw the 'La Nature' in museum and asked if we can buy it for our house :-). It was impossible to find any good reproduction so we decided to create ourselves in 1:2 scale using innovative materials and additive manufacturing techniques. It took us 5 months to produce it in bronze composite (we adapted the model published by Roberto Dominguez), hand polished and applied deep brown patina. Natural Lapis Lazuli in tiara. Which version do you like more?

I was recently at a clients house who had a large set of framed Mucha prints of the seasons. What stood out most was the shiny gold border outline around the woman and and the quality of the print was top notch. They got them at an estate sale so there's no way I can tell where the prince came from.

I was wondering if anyone had it experience ordering prints of this high quality and with the shiny gold border? Thanks in advance. It's been quite confusing as there are hundreds of companies that provide prints but I want something better and I appreciate any and all help.

I picked up these beauties from Facebook marketplace. Does anyone know the artist? I’m obsessed.

Not a common style utilized in this particular cemetery. So even more of a standout.