Art Nouveau: is an international style of art, architecture and applied art. especially the decorative arts, that was most popular between 1890 and 1910. A reaction to the academic art of the 19th century, it was inspired by natural forms and structures, particularly the curved lines of plants and flowers.
English uses the French name Art Nouveau (new art). The style is related to, but not identical with, styles that emerged in many countries in Europe at about the same time: in Austria it is known as Secessionstill after Wiener Secession; in Spanish Modernismo; in Catalan Modernisme; in Czech Secese; in Danish Skønvirke or Jugendstil; in German Jugendstil, Art Nouveau or Reformstil; in Hungarian Szecesszió; in Italian Art Nouveau, Stile Liberty or Stile floreale; in Lithuanian Modernas; in Norwegian Jugendstil; in Polish Secesja; in Slovak Secesia; in Ukrainian and Russian Модерн (Modern); in Swedish and Finnish Jugend.
Art Nouveau is a total art style: It embraces a wide range of fine and decorative arts, including architecture, painting, graphic art, interior design, jewelry, furniture, textiles, ceramics, glass art, and metal work.
By 1910, Art Nouveau was already out of style. It was replaced as the dominant European architectural and decorative style first by Art Deco and then by Moderinsm. The following represent some of the best packs of cards produced during this era.
Jeu de Cartes Estétique No.1, Brussels: designed by Henri Meunier, for Ernotte Michaux, circa 1900, a complete Piquet deck of 32 colour lithographed Art Nouveau playing cards (French suits), double-ended courts, ace of hearts with Deutsches Reich tax stamp, lightly dusty, few very minor marks, gilt rounded corners, versos yellow with red Hau Champagne Reims advertisement,