We Know What We Are, But Know Not What We May Be: Art Nouveau in Prague

I have already mentioned the diversity of architectural styles in Prague. One of the most unusual styles you find, as well as one of my favorites, is Art Nouveau. As an artistic movement, Art Nouveau was born during the last decade of the 19th century, and lasted a surprisingly short time, only about twenty or so years. It is considered a reaction to the academic art of the era, when neo-classical and neo-renaissance styles were prominent. It is also strongly associated with the revival of folk art and traditions from this era. Architecturally, it looks very distinct. Art Nouveau incorporates curved, organic lines and shapes, it includes frescoes and mosaics, and it also uses wrought iron, bronze, and even stained glass. The effect is very interesting and difficult to describe in words. It is very beautiful, and it seems to speak to something deeper than the intellect, something more natural or even spiritual. It offers a wonderful contrast to the seemingly ostentatious and sterile facades of the other buildings one sees. As much as I appreciate the gothic and baroque, I have become very fond of Art Nouveau.

While in Prague, we were able to see quite a few Art Nouveau buildings. The best known of these is the Prague Municipal House, designed by Osvald Polívka and Antonín Balšánek.

The Municipal House has a concert hall where we heard a sampling of European and Czech Classical Music, the latter being the works of Antonín Dvořák, and Bedřich Smetana. The hall was also decorated in Art Nouveau Style.

Several Czech Hotels were build Art Nouveau, such as he Grand Hotel Europa, where we had goulash for lunch one day, as well as the Hotel Central.

The Moravian artist Alfons Mucha was a painter and decorative artist who was instrumental in the development of Art Nouveau style, especially in the fields of painting, drawing, and jewelry design. He designed this stained-glass window for St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague Castle.