The Magic of Art Nouveau: A Journey to the Elegant Face of İstanbul
Glasgow style, secession, fin de siècle, Jugendstil, or as it is commonly known in Turkey, art nouveau, is a style that is used in art and architecture and manifests itself in various fields. The art nouveau movement, which left its mark on fields such as sculpture, decoration and the visual arts, is admired for its unique and aesthetic appearance. Let’s take a closer look at this art movement, which also manifests itself in Istanbul’s architecture.
A Brief Overview of the Art Nouveau Movement
It is an art movement that emerged as a reaction to the mass-production aesthetic that emerged with the Industrial Revolution. The emergence of the Art Nouveau movement can be said to have occurred between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Its influence lasted intensely until World War I. The movement, which became particularly popular in the early 1900s, became a significant element of architecture. It spread worldwide from European countries such as Belgium, France and England.
Characteristics of the Art Nouveau Movement
The Art Nouveau movement makes extensive use of natural elements and female figures. Every detail noticeable in nature can find a place in the philosophy of the movement. Various plant forms, floral ornaments and animal and insect figures are among the most frequently used elements. Birds, in particular, appear in almost every design.
Another distinctive feature of the movement is the wavy, curvy and curved lines that replace straight lines. Its distinctive lines are frequently used in wood carvings, paintings and ironwork.
The influences of the style seen on the exteriors of the building are also reflected in the interior design. Elegant ornamentation is incorporated into the decorative elements as a reflection of nature. The colors and details that are chosen for the stained glass and mosaics create a perfect contrast with the architecture of the building. Nature-reminiscent colors like brown, yellow and green are accompanied by the shades of red, purple and blue, creating an impressive unity.
The Distinct Influence of the Art Nouveau Movement on İstanbul’s Architecture
The Art Nouveau style, which managed to spread and exert its influence worldwide, is also evident in buildings of İstanbul. İstanbul, with its cultural connections to Europe, quickly became aware of the characteristics of the movement, particularly through French publications.
Architects who produced notable works in the Art Nouveau movement include Victor Horta, Frantz Jourdain, Louis Marrez, Henry van de Velde and René Binet. However, in İstanbul, Alexander Vallaury and Raimondo D’Aronco, as well as Antonio Lasciac and Mikael Nurican, also top the list. The Pera Palace Hotel, Hezaran Han (Hezaran Inn), İpar Köşkü (İpar Mansion), Markiz Pastanesi (Markiz Patisserie), İtalyan Sefareti Yazlığı (Italian Embassy Summer Residence), Mizzi Köşkü (Mizzi Mansion), Huber Köşkü (Huber Mansion) are the most famous examplesi of the movement in İstanbul.
The exterior decorations and interiors of these buildings feature numerous elements that are reflecting the Art Nouveau style. The addition of plant motifs to window and door frames, symbolic figures and lines on stair railings and wall and ceiling paintings highlight the fascinating aspect of the movement.
Pera Palace Hotel and Elegant Art Nouveau Traces
Alexandre Vallaury was one of the most prolific architects of the movement. Completed in 1895, the Pera Palace Hotel ranks among Vallaury’s masterpieces for İstanbul. The building is also one of the most magnificent examples of the Art Nouveau style.
Elements of this movement can be seen in every corner of the hotel. The first electric elevator in Turkey is the most prominent example of this. The first striking detail on the wooden elevator cabin is the ornamentation that is filled with plant motifs.
Would you like to stay in this important historical heritage site of İstanbul? Pera Palace Hotel, renowned for both its architecture and the historical figures that it hosts, invites you to a journey that is filled with art. If you are looking for a captivating tour among the magnificent figures of the Art Nouveau movement, staying at Pera Palace Hotel might be the right choice for you.
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