Vu Lilien

a Linnen

Art Nouveau - a style that flourished in the applied arts, architecture and fine arts at the turn of the 20th century - is a movement closely linked to social issues. The stylistic rejection of tradition-rooted historicism was connected to a spirit of optimism and renewal and, at the same time, to a refusal of industrialization's influence on art and craftsmanship. Art Nouveau emerged as a form of expression to be invented, drawing inspiration from nature while reflecting its era and modernity. Bringing beauty into everyday life and restoring the value of traditional craftsmanship: these were the foundations for a better world.

To what extent did these issues stir Luxembourg, which in the 19th century was developing into an industrialized country? Was this social transformation also reflected in Luxembourgish art? Did artistic developments abroad resonate in the Grand Duchy? Who drove these issues in the small Grand Duchy, a state that only achieved full independence in 1890 with its own dynasty? How were artistic innovations received by the population?

In Luxembourg, the Art Nouveau period coincided with the creation of an artists' association in 1893, which then began organizing exhibitions on a regular basis. In 1902, this artistic circle created the first art prize, the Prix Grand-Duc Adolphe, which is still awarded today. The founding in 1896 of a State School of Crafts, training both artists and art craftsmen, also boosted Luxembourg's artistic scene.

Through fascinating and innovative works mainly from the field of applied arts, preparatory drawings never before shown to the public, and historical photographs, the exhibition at the Nationalmusée um Feschmaart explores the Art Nouveau period in Luxembourg in depth for the first time. At the same time, it illustrates both the era's desire to uphold tradition and its constant wish to open up to artistic trends from neighboring countries: Germany, France and Belgium. This tension between attachment to tradition and a desire for renewal, which around 1900 characterized a Luxembourgish nation still searching for identity, is reflected in the artistic expression of the period.