Art Nouveau Storks Tote Bag

Art Nouveau is an international movement and style of art, architecture and applied art — especially the decorative arts — that peaked in popularity at the turn of the 20th century (1890–1905). The name 'Art Nouveau' is French for 'new art'. A reaction to academic art of the 19th century, it is chraacterised by organic, especially floral and other plant-inspired motifs, as well as highly-stylised, flowing curvilinear forms. Art Nouveau is an approach to design according to which artists should work on everything from architecture to furniture, making art part of everyday life. Five storks are hiding in tall reeds. Because of the type of reeds that are in this Victorian design I am reminded of Egypt. This type of reed is often shown growing next to rivers in the time of the Pharaohs. The design is very detailed. The birds are beautifully done and the reeds have lovely curved lines that bend around the storks. I think the blue background is supposed to represent water. The colours of this print are soft and subtle - pale blue, light green grey, and cream.