Decorative Cities

Art Nouveau draws heavily from a wide range of natural elements. Floral motifs—such as lilies, irises, and poppies—appear frequently, with their sinuous stems and elegant curves becoming iconic features of the style. Leaves, vines, and tendrils often weave through architectural façades, furniture, and even jewelry, blurring the lines between built environments and living ecosystems.

Beyond plants, Art Nouveau found inspiration in the animal kingdom. Insects like dragonflies and butterflies were favored for their delicate wings and graceful symmetry. Reptiles and amphibians—such as lizards, snakes, and frogs—added an exotic, sometimes mystical quality to the movement's visual language. Even the textures and forms of rocks, minerals, and flowing water were incorporated, lending an earthy, elemental presence to many works.