Interpret the language of Art Nouveau…
Some of us love cities with a past. For their narrow, wobbly cobbled roads and oil-lamp pedestals. For their charming places of worship, old wooden bridges, royal retreats and dark dungeons. For their imperfect half-timbered houses, impeccable tasteful mansions, vibrant tiled courtyards and rough red-brick tiled roofs. Because there’s more to brick, mortar and stone than mere eye candy. If you let them, buildings will whisper sweet-nothings in your ear. The wavelength needs a little more adjusting in a buzzing city like Prague, but you can still tune in to the fascinating narratives. As you trace the evolution of the ‘Mother of Cities’ from 9th-century Romanesque to 14th-century Gothic to 19th-century Art Nouveau and Cubist eras, you may find one of these styles particularly intriguing, as I did.
Down with the ugly
But first, flashback to late 1880s to early 1890s. Rapid industrialization and mass production of cheap goods. Depressing times for artists, designers, and architects. But the creative spirit always manages to break free. Revolution of the ‘We-Hate-Uglies’. And rise of Art Nouveau (French for ‘new art’). Craftsmanship and art push back with a sweet vengeance. This time, wiping out the boundaries between elite and public consumption. Whipping up a new fervour for all things beautiful and refined. Art seeps into everyday life, for the first time.
Taking huge inspiration from nature, Art Nouveau unfolds as the first real modern style ever. With themes revolving around elements like leaves, vines, flowers, birds, animals and insects. Asymmetrical shapes, elegant arches, graceful curves, colourful mosaics, dainty stained glass and Japanese motifs become central to design. Decorative and functional emerge as the twin mantras. Curiosity piqued yet? Wait for it…
Much ado about Mucha
Brilliant designer and prominent Czech artist Alphonse Mucha rises to fame, turning Prague into a centre for Art Nouveau. He adorns some of Prague’s finest buildings, including a painted ceiling in the Art Nouveau masterpiece, the Municipal House and the stained glass window of the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral. Mucha’s work is fresh, sinuous and elegant…each composition overflowing with delicate tendrils, swirling lines and gorgeous, bejewelled, flower-decked women in luxuriant gowns. Pale pastels and vibrant accents. Unrestricted celebration of femininity in a overtly masculine world. From textile, paintings, jewellery, clothing and promotional posters to architectural elements like grills, stairways, doors, tiles, window glass, wallpaper and furniture…everything acquires a new status. Anything can evolve into art! The demand for Art Nouveau mushrooms. And Prague neighbourhoods refine. Into eye candy. Go seek. And you shall find!
On the treasure hunt
The streets of Prague are a visual delight. Identifying Art Nouveau Baroque from among the plethora of Gothic, Neo-Classical, Neo-Renaissance, Cubist or Art Deco structures is a strain for the amateur eye, but the clues are fairly simple. The first and most obvious one is the trio of colours that define Art Nouveau…usually yellow, green and gold. Next look for the delicate, floral motifs and vine trails inspired by nature. Or the extravagant painted frescoes. Then train your eyes to spot the elements that are functional plus aesthetic. Like the iron statuettes supporting a balcony. But the real proof lies in the camouflaged ‘branding’. A snake motif on the doors of a chemist store, an ancient symbol of healing and medicine. Or a ship logo on the roof of a merchant trading house. Or a literary inscription on the front of a book store. Getting the drift?
Kickstart your Art Nouveau course with the inimitable Prague ‘Pasaz’ experience. Wander through the woven network of ornamental, arcaded passageways belonging to the 20th-century. The epitome of the unconventional, indulgent, prosperous trading city that Prague once was. These temperature-resistant sheltered spaces or welcoming walkways are lined with snazzy shops, cute cafes and often house a Diavolo (theatre) and a fine restaurant or two. Treat yourself…discover a new route, stumble upon a delightful courtyard hideaway, take a break from the bustle of the rushed street outside in these hidden spaces. Or just admire the ornate glass ceilings, unusual sculptures and exquisite floor designs.
Enrol in the ultimate ‘tutorial’ at the Municipal House, the most spectacular icon of Art Nouveau in the city of a hundred spires. Setting the stage for a grand entry is an imposing green-copper dome, filigree metalwork and flamboyant reliefs representing history, literature, painting, music and architecture. Certainly, nothing less majestic would have fit the bill for its former avatar as the Royal Court from 1383 to 1483. Inside is abundant proof of a fabulous 20th-century revival…vivid coloured glasswork, stylised light scone fittings, gilded decorations, gorgeous ceramics and super-sized murals. The Mucha stamp too…but of course! Leave supremely educated. Come back for a sumptuous evening…a classical concert at Smetana Hall, Prague’s biggest concert hall beneath an exquisite glass dome or a fine meal at one of the formal restaurants, maybe.
Craving more? Challenge yourself with a refresher module, hunting for the endless jewels scattered all over the Old Town and Wenceslas Square. Venture into Vinohrady, a posh residential neighbourhood with an artsy, hip vibe where leafy tree-lined streets, lined with graceful villas embody the essence of Art Nouveau. No less impressive is the 13-century old Jewish Quarter, where a crumbling cemetery crowded with 10,000 tombs and six stunning synagogues fight for attention with hundreds of splendid specimens of Art Nouveau.
Once you get a hang of it, you’ll be hooked, so stop keeping count. A giant flower medallion studded on a wall, pillars wrapped up with leafy creepers, elaborately framed windows, gold painted frescoes, curvy iron grill balconies and a plethora of symbolic emblems. You know you’ve reached breaking point when you start hallucinating…no, those are not vine trails, its your sauerkraut!
We explored Prague’s modern architectural wonders on a fabulous ‘Art Nouveau and Modernism’ tour with Riccardo Cacciotti of Context Travel. They deliver what they promise: ‘Tours for the intellectually curious’. All opinions are my own.
Pin this post for later!!
I never realized that Prague was such a source of Art Nouveau. That is so cool – now I want to visit.
Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Bill! The city’s streets are full of treasures..
LikeLike
Loved the Art Nouveau in Prague and Mucha is just so wonderfully romantic, have you been to Riga? The Art Nouveau there is incredible too
LikeLiked by 1 person
Riga is on our list, and the pictures i see of it remind me so much of Prague 🙂
LikeLike
Have heard so many things about Prague and everything seems to be true. EVen mere balconies look so delightful in your pictures! These people just know how to modernize without destroying the old-world charm, a sense which is sorely lacking in India.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, Europe has mastered the art of moving on in time while keeping its heritage intact. That’s what draws me to the continent every time.
LikeLike
Prague is on my bucket list and after reading your post, I’ll have to plan my visit soon. Being a history and art lover, I would love to visit these fascinating buildings. The intriguing sculptors, beguiling paintings, the courtyards and balconies, everything looks incredibly beautiful. Thanks for sharing this splendid experience. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope you are able to go to Prague soon and experience it al first-hand!
LikeLike
We visited Prague a few years back and loved wandering the streets looking up at all the amazing architecture. Such a cool city.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It has so much more to offer than people think.
LikeLike
I was only once in Prague, but it’s full of beautiful buildings! It must be great to be able to go back in time, and see the city some hundreds of years ago, when many of these buildings where actually built… Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! Epitomises so much of Europe 🙂
LikeLike
Adding this place to the bucket list for future trips. Just loved the architecture of this place
regards
anshul
www,dailypassengerr.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! Enjoy the trip.
LikeLike
have not been to Prague in ages. The thing I remember the most is the Jewish area and the castle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Both the Jewish town and the Castle are special places to wander.
LikeLike
Prague is such a vibrant city. I miss wandering through its cobblestone streets that made my feet ache lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
One does tend to walk a lot while in Europe. We clocked about 8 kms a day on an average. 🙂
LikeLike
Absolutely love Mucha’s artwork! Would love to go see it in person someday here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mucha is the epitomy of grace! Love his classic work.
LikeLike
the city is indeed full of treasures 🙂 a great discovery such as this is amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful! I also loved what you said that art seeps into everyday life. What a truly inspiring thing to stay!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a million! That’s a lovely comment 🙂
LikeLike
Prague is gorgeous and your pictures have done absolute justice to the beauty of Prague. I can only imagine how beautiful the streets of Prague must be. Beautiful post 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot ! We have thousands of Prague pictures and I’m still wondering what’s the best way to use them 🙂
LikeLike
This is very interesting! I always love exploring cities and admiring the architecture, but I don’t typically take the time to learn the history of it. I’ve heard of Art Nouveau but I didn’t realize what it was — it turns out I’m a long time fan! Your photos are gorgeous, but as always, you painted an equally vivid image with your words!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Janine! I love finding out more about what I see and architecture really fascinates me the most. This was a fabulous tour for us.
LikeLike
Oh I can’t believe we still haven’t made it to Prague yet! We’ve always wanted to go there for one simple reason and that would be to see all the awesome Art Nouveau architectures and especially Alphonse Mucha’s artworks! Your post has reminded us that it’s about time that we book that trip! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a superb time! I’m missing Mucha already 🙂
LikeLike
It’s so good to see the art community of Prague withstood the onslaught of industrialization to preserve their place in architecture. The world would be a duller place if beauty like this was allowed to be plowed over for “modernization”. Mucho gusto Mucha
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right! We need geniuses and artists like Mucha to continue making the world a better place.
LikeLike
Prague has some of the best architecture in terms of old buildings, that I have ever seen! It was quite interesting to read your article about the Art Nouveau, the streets of Prague are truly very charming and each building is more intriguing than the next. Thanks for sharing this interesting story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed the read, Medha. I loved this tour so much because architecture is my fave thing.
LikeLike
Prague is one of the cities I visit several times a year and yet I had no idea that there are so many Art Nouveau structures there! Next time I am there I will look out for the trio of yellow, green and gold, as well as the motifs to see if my amateur eye can spot them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! So, you are all prepped up 🙂 So good to know that you enjoyed my post.
LikeLike
Wow a whole new reason to go back to Prague! I love the history of this city and the food! Thank you for giving me a whole new perspective on this beautiful city!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed the post. Maybe you will discover some entirely different foods.
LikeLike
I was completely unaware of the influence of Mucha on Prague, and so, your article really made my day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Panushwari! So we share a common love for art.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Prague is always been on our travel list and we was near to visit this awesome place!
What we love about this city is the old buildings all gold with a unique design, characteristic.
Your post gave us the motivation 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Its wonderful to know that my post has inspired you to include architecture in your explorations in Prague. Have fun!
LikeLike
I haven’t visited Prague yet tho it’s been on my list for ages! I hadn’t realised the link with Mucha and now I want to go there even more. Thanks for this insight into your tour of the Art Nouveau, I’ve heard lots of good things about Context Travel and will definitely remember your recommendation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Art Nouveau is one of the most elegant art styles, and certainly my fave now that I know more about it. Context Travels is the best there is!
LikeLike
OMG! I literally just came back from Prague (like yesterday) and I fell in love with the architecture. I can kick myself for not visiting the Municipal House. The Grand Hotel Europa reminds of the hotel I stayed in the Art Nouveau Palace. Just beautiful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah…too bad you missed the Municipal House. But I’m sure you found tons of beautiful buildings to swoon over 🙂
LikeLike
Prague is such a beautiful city, and I have always loved its architecture. It is great to go on tours like these that provide some much information and history about a subject. I did a Context Tour in Venice with a local guide, and I learned an incredible amount, and not just things that are in guide books.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Context Tours are very deep and insightful. Its like learning from experts. We will always try to fit in a couple of tours from them, wherever we go.
LikeLike
I love tracing the evolution of buildings, and Prague is a great city for it! Such a rich (and well preserved) heritage. I love the diversity and mixture of architecture present throughout Prague, and agree that it’s a fun treasure hunt tracking down the examples of Art Nouveau throughout the city streets. My favorite section of Prague is Old Town, and favorite thing to do getting lost to appreciate the buildings by wandering aimlessly and seeing what you stumble across!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The old town of Prague is a delight and I also loved Jewish area more for its buildings. We must have walked for hours in those little lanes.
LikeLike
Prague is on our “must do” list. Although I’m not schooled in these various styles of architecture, I do look for those “brandings” you mention in theses historic cities. We love wandering the narrow streets in old neighborhoods.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Prague is a big city, but the historic area still has the feel of a small town. Lovely combination.
LikeLike
Prague was the first city in Europe that I visited, and it left an impression. In the US, we don’t have buildings as old as in Europe, and the only way we can get personally exposed to such architectural history is either from media or traveling abroad. I remember being completely enthralled by the various building styles, themes, and of course, the culture and history!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a city to choose for the first visit to Europe! You have set the bar high 🙂
LikeLike
Prague is one of my favorite cities. I spent my 21st birthday there. Thanks for the great overview of architecture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great venue for a milestone birthday! I’m sure you have fabulous memories.
LikeLike
Haha, never heard of Art Nouvea expressed as the We-Hate-Uglies movement before!! I enjoy Art Nouveau but I haven’t been to Prague, and it looks like it has some beautiful buildings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We-Hate-Uglies is a catchphrase I made up, coz I often use the phrase ‘I hate ugly’ in personal life 🙂
LikeLike
It is true that the streets of Prague are a visual delight. I went to Prague twice, visited the main sights, took many pictures, drank good beer but I never wondered about the stories all those nice buildings were telling. Saw Frank Gehry famous ballerina, yes, but had no idea that there was so much Art Nouveau tradition in the city and this is a shame coming from an architect (and Art Nouveau lover) like me. Next time I go to Prague I will drink less beer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw! That does call for a revisit to Prague then, Elisa 🙂
LikeLike
I saw your pinned picture on Instagram and was like wow! And now after seeing the others, I am saying Super Wow. These buildings in Prague are really heart winning. Those ornate designs, balconies, sculptures, creepers everything is perfect. I will be actually counting them and at last, will be confused which one is more heart winning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a ton! I stopped keeping count of which was prettier…but I kept wishing the tour would never end.
LikeLike
What a fascinating post this is. You have traced the rise of Art Nouveau and the evolution of the charming beauty of Prague with a finesse worthy of Mucha! Loved reading about the subtle branding that is evident in the buildings like the motif of a snake on a chemist’s shop and others. Will keep a look out for this when in Prague. You sure have an eye for detail and have unearthed some valuable information.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, for your lovely comment. i’m guessing you’re a fan of architecture too.
LikeLike
I love gorgeous buildings, and for that reason, Prague is one of my favorite cities. But I had no idea some of the architectural details on stores were subtle ads for the store. Or that Mucha was from Prague. Your post makes me want to return to Prague for an architectural tour. Beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a wonderful comment, thanks, Sarah 🙂 Hope you go back to Prague to rediscover the city.
LikeLike
Prague is at the top of my bucket list and you’ve given me a much greater reason to visit with these incredible architectural shots. Smetana Hall looks like it would be top of my list plus I would love to dine there. Such a gorgeous city to explore.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe we can compare notes when you get back 🙂
LikeLike
When I think of Art Nouveau, I first think of Spain & Belgium. Prague doesn’t come to my mind immediately. But looks like Prague has so much to offer. Such gorgeous architecture. Hope I’ll get to see the places myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was reminded of Gaudi in Spain during the tour. But Art Nouveau in Prague is very different.
LikeLike
Prague is such a beautiful city. I’d love to go back and take a tour that focuses on its architecture!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It will help you see the city in a new light.
LikeLike
Very interesting way to see this city as there is indeed so much beautiful architecture but also such striking differences in the styles and having a tour where the reasons for this could be explained would be great. I remember when I first came to the Czech Republic. We drove in from Germany and we were greeted with some of the most horrendous, concrete, ugly buildings I’d ever seen. Clearly remnants of their communist era. It came as a surprise and I don’t know that I really got over it because even for all the beauty in Prague, I couldn’t quite take to the city. I think it’s time for me to revisit it with fresh eyes.
LikeLike
I agree with what you said about ugly buildings in Prague. The juxtaposition of so many different architectural styles can actually confuse the eye at first glance, but then…as you say, its all about ‘new eyes.
LikeLike
Fabulous post, I’ve written about Prague before and it looks beautiful especially the buildings. I would love it there 🙂 Thanks for sharing x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a ton for your generous comment, Gillian 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Art Nouveau architecture, and I’m absolutely mad about Mucha! I had no idea that Prague had this much of an Art Nouveau vibe to it…so I feel like I have to go now, and soon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
As a Mucha fan, you will be in seventh heaven in Prague 🙂
LikeLike
Fantastic photos! Art Nouveau is my favourite architectural and decorative style and I love discovering new places like these ones. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! Glad you liked the pictures. Are you planning to go?
LikeLike
It’s been many many years since I went to Prague but I still remember the feeling of stepping back in time. It was a different city in some ways though, back in late 1990s, and I’d love to go back and see it today. Like you, I loved the art nouveau and other period architecture and art, Mucha was a favourite of mine as a student.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure you would find a lot of things just the way they were in the 1990s, specially the historic center. Mucha is the best.
LikeLike
WOWWW! As an architecture and art lover Prague is so high on my list! 🙂 You have described the charm of old cities so brilliantly. They are so perfect in their imperfections! 🙂 Love exploring heritage cities with someone who knows the place inside out so thanks so much for your recommendation of Context! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! Cities always fascinate me with their pulsating vigor and oodles of heritage. This tour has only fuelled my love for architecture. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful! I’ve never been but it’s so interesting to see this architecture – I will have to visit some day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure you will take back wonderful memories.
LikeLike