Liberty Style wild irises – Ricca, 1902

LIBERTY STYLE / ART NOUVEAU POSTER Wild irises. Lithograph designed in 1902 by Ricca a student of the School for…

LIBERTY STYLE / ART NOUVEAU POSTER

Wild irises. Lithograph designed in 1902 by Ricca a student of the School for Applied and Industiral Arts at Syracuse (IT) for the “Arte italiana decorativa e industriale” a monthly periodical published under the patronage of the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Industry and Trade. Size (paper): 57 x 87,5 cm.

In the realm of Art Nouveau (or as in this case, the Italian Liberty Style or “Stile Liberty“), a captivating motif that frequently found its way onto posters, textiles, and decorative objects was the wild iris. This delicate and vibrant flower, with its slender petals and graceful stature, embodied the essence of the Art Nouveau movement, which sought to capture the beauty of nature in its purest form.

Art Nouveau, with its emphasis on organic forms and flowing lines, found an ideal muse in the wild iris. The sinuous stems and curvilinear shapes of the flower mirrored the elegant and undulating lines that defined this artistic style. The iris became an emblematic symbol, often featured in intricate illustrations, stained glass windows, and decorative patterns that adorned buildings, furniture, and jewelry.

The wild iris, or Iris sibirica, possesses an inherent allure that resonated with Art Nouveau artists. Its long, slender leaves gracefully arch upward, forming a structural elegance that lent itself well to the sinuous curves of Art Nouveau design.

Art Nouveau artists were captivated not only by the physical beauty of the wild iris but also by its symbolism. The iris has long been associated with various meanings, such as eloquence, wisdom, and hope. Its name derives from the Greek word for a rainbow, paying homage to its diverse range of hues. In Art Nouveau, the iris became a symbol of femininity, mystique, and enchantment, embodying the ethereal qualities that permeated the movement.

When portraying wild irises, Art Nouveau artists often embraced a stylized approach, blurring the lines between realism and abstraction. They sought to capture the essence and spirit of the flower rather than rigidly adhering to its physical characteristics. The result was a series of artworks that exuded a dreamlike quality, with irises floating and intertwining amidst flowing lines and intricate patterns.

Price: Euro 475,-