Art Nouveau: Design and Style for New Age

Online course

+44 (0)20 7942 2000

Delve into the world of Art Nouveau on this history of art short course. International in scope, Art Nouveau was a short-lived but influential style which reached its height of popularity in about 1900. Both self-consciously decorative and modern, it privileged originality, individuality and fine craftsmanship.


Learn from our world-class experts wherever you are, whenever suits you: watch lectures live or view the recording later in your own time. You can experience the full breadth and depth of the V&A's collections with 12 hours of study over 6 weeks. Learn at your own pace: lecture recordings and study materials, lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials are available in our secure Microsoft Teams environment for 6 weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a thing. And finally, join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.

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Portrait of Course Leader Christine Lalumia

Course Leader
Christine Lalumia

Christine Lalumia lectures widely and writes on design, art and garden histories with a particular interest in cultural context. A consultant lecturer at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, she was previously the deputy director of The Geffrye, Museum of the Home, London for 21 years.

V&A online courses are such a find! Amazing course. Thank you! Previous V&A Academy Online Course Attendee

Course overview

Literally conceived as a ‘New Art’ for the last years of the 19th century, Art Nouveau was both decorative and modern, reaching its height in about 1900. An international style popular across Western Europe and the US, it was influenced in part by the art and design of Japan and inspired by nature.

Key characteristics included an emphasis on originality, individuality and a dislike of conformity, high-regard for fine craftsmanship, an imaginative use of materials and curving, sinuous lines. Embracing a wide range of materials and disciplines, it attracted some of the most talented artists, architects and designers of the period including Emile Galle, Louis Majorelle, Lalique, Hector Guimard, Toulouse Lautrec, Mucha, Victor Horta, Gaudi and
Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Energetic, passionate and at times unpredictable and provocative, it was relatively short lived but influential, a bridge between the historical styles of the 19th century and the beginnings of Modernism. It can be seen clearly in cities such as Paris, Brussels, Barcelona and Vienna and its unusual combination of influences and emphasis on quality and creativity ensure its appeal and interest for us today.

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V&A Academy Online. A learning environment you can trust.

V&A Academy Online courses are built using the latest Microsoft software. Tune in to expert lectures live, or catch up later on demand. Download handouts and presentations. Join the discussion in a secure, closed class environment, wherever you are.

Enrol now

Online course: Art Nouveau: Design and Style for New Age

3 November 2023 - 8 December 2023

£120.00

Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000

Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:

+44 (0)20 7942 2000

Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)