New figure to research: Hector Guimard
Meggs didn’t mention Guimard in any detail, but he was the best known French Art Nouveau architect, He was famous enough at the time that some people even called Art Nouveau “Style Guimard”, since his work stood out from other architects and even artists. His form of Art Nouveau is more bizarre. abstract, and asymmetrical, with twisted forms from nature. It is recognizable as Art Nouveau but is starting on the abstract track toward 20th century modernism, and indeed, his work is considered one of the developments leading to that. .
His Paris Metro entrances (subway) are probably what he is most famous for, and it is fitting that his instantly recognizable Art Nouveau signs and metal gates have been available to all to see on the streets of Paris, because he was also politically very egalitarian and non-elitist.
Is Pesnever’s book “Pioneers of Modern Design” still a worthwhile read?
Well, it is still in print! Penguin actually released an updated edition not too long ago, here’s their blurb:
The new edition from Penguin: This expanded edition of Pioneers of Modern Design provides Pevsner’s original text along with significant new and updated information, enhancing Pevsner’s illuminating account of the roots of Modernism. The book now offers many beautiful colour illustrations; updated biographies and bibliographies of all major figures; illustrated short essays on key themes, movements, and individuals; a critique of Pevsner’s analysis from today’s perspective; examples of works after 1914 (where the original study ended); a biography detailing Pevsner’s life and achievements; and much more.
You can also read the 1949 edition on Archive.org https://archive.org/details/bwb_O8-BOO-496, but if you live in the Bay Area, you can get a free library card from the SF Main Library. They have the new edition in their digital collections.
Did Victor Horta have any issues working for a deputy of King Leopold II, considering the king’s horrific actions in the Congo?
Belgian architect Victor Horta, sometimes called the father of Art Nouveau, is a study in contrasts. He built the Maison du Peuple for the Belgian Worker’s Party in Brussels, but he also designed a famous townhouse for one of King Leopold II’s deputies. Belgium’s new annexation of the Congo was essentially King Leopold II’s personal fiefdom, and it is estimated that 10 million Congolese were murdered during his rule. And indeed, some scholars say you can’t separate Belgian Art Nouveau from the horror in the Congo:
JSTOR article: https://daily.jstor.org/art-nouveau-art-of-darkness/
Not only did the profits pour in for the king and others from ruthlessly controlling the harvest and trade of rubber and other commodities allowing them to pay for Horta and other Belgian artists to work on commissions, there was even the term “Style Congo”, which referred to using vines and plants from the Congo as artistic elements. The Belgian art community continues to discuss this today (Belgium only apologized in 2002 for their acts in the Congo) and have exhibits on the topic, like this one: https://www.civa.brussels/en/exhibitions-events/style-congo
More links: https://www.thecollector.com/victor-horta-art-nouveau-architect/ and https://www.theartstory.org/artist/horta-victor/