Art Nouveau Swirls Watch

Description

Combinaisons Ornementales, published in Paris about 1901, is considered the “bible” of decorative Art Nouveau elements. This exceptional collection of patterns and designs, a copy of which is in the Museum’s collection, was created by three artists: Georges Auriol (pseudonym for Jean-Georges Huyot, French, 1863–1938), Alphonse Maria Mucha (Czech, 1860– 1939), and Maurice Pillard Verneuil (French, 1869–1942). Our stunning watch features a swirling Art Nouveau motif adapted from this portfolio.

Silver overlay case, with a metallic-gold embossed face. Leather strap. Quartz movement. Case: 1'' square; strap: adjusts from 6''L to 7 3/4''L.

Art History

Art Nouveau designs are characterized by organic whiplash curves, tentacle-like tendrils and flowers, and sinuous human and animal forms. In part a reaction to the mechanization of the Industrial Revolution, the “New Art” movement originated in France and Belgium in the 1880s and reached a high point at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris.