Islamic art Influence on Art Nouveau + the Arts + Crafts Movement
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During the early spread of Islam in the seventh and eighth centuries, artists encountered a range of patterns and designs that they adopted, abstracting and adapting them into new forms and supporting new uses. Islamic geometric patterns in art and architecture are often based on interlaced or repeating patterns of circles and squares that inspire a holy life of reflection without the distractions of the human element drawing inspiration from nature.
The Taj Mahal and other Mughal palaces reflect Islamic influences with elegant dome structures and the symmetry of the cylindrical minarets and ethereal white marble. A central dome is the focal point of the Taj Mahal and the most recognizable Islamic influence. The dome on cube structure is like other Islamic configurations of Mausoleum structures. The use of geometric shapes of paved walkways and long marble reflection pools radiating from a square center pool. Each quadrant is symmetrical with a water channel running through to inspire tranquility. Verses from the Quran are inscribed in highly detailed Islamic calligraphy art known for its intricate motifs which are showcased throughout the exterior walls using an inlay of precious gemstones.
Islamic art often depicts non-figural style in its precision with calligraphy art complete with detailed borders of geometric shapes and abstract designs. Many of the non-figural designs are inspired by the natural world with undulating lines that represent flora and vegetation. Works of ancient Islamic art are seen with intricate stylization of stained glass, painted ceramic bowls, and the tiled walls of mosques. Ornate Islamic Turkish and Persian designs are known for the patterns in woven carpets.
Art Nouveau style flourished in Europe emphasizes organic forms, flowing lines, and motifs from nature and features a distinct appreciation for undulating lines. Examples of Art Nouveau replicating the forms and inspired by the designs of Islam can be seen in the popular signage and posters of Paris city life, the ornate wrought-iron curves of balconies and staircases or the terraces of Brussels townhouses. The term Art Nouveau first appeared in an 1884 edition of the Belgian Journal L’art Moderne. The Arts and Crafts movement of the mid 19th century and onwards was led by British critic John Ruskin and William Morris to address the industrial era of mass production and explored an artistic appreciation for non-utilitarian, quality-made goods with decorative and ornate designs inspired Islamic paintings, sculpture, textiles and jewelry.
In addition to these Islamic art influences artists of the Art Nouveau period incorporated multifaceted themes found in Japanese ukiyo-e and Celtic symbols in found in their designs.
A French family’s jewelry business in 1847, by the name of Cartier came from this era of Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts movement and became one of the biggest jewelry fashion houses to this day. The Cartier brothers traveled to India in 1911 and became fascinated with the patterns, shapes, colors, and structure of Islamic art and developed a connection to the distinct artistic style. “The Cartier brothers—Louis, Jacques, and Pierre—drew inspiration from India, Iran, North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and beyond to develop the brand’s signature style, which evolved from Neoclassicism to Art Nouveau to Art Deco” An example of their 1920’s and 30’s gem laden Jewelry line called “Tutti Frutti” incorporated rubies, emeralds and sapphires in the shapes of berries, flowers and leaves in the same style found in traditional Mughal Indian Jewelry.
Image Sources:
a. Furnishing Fabric Strawberry Thief by William Morris, 1883. Source: Victoria and Albert Museum, Londonb. Cartier and Mughal Indian Necklace "Tutti Frutti" Collection
c. Iznik Charger, Turkey, 1600's
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