Amsterdam
Open now

Goddesses of Art Nouveau: Unveiling the Female Figure in Art at Allard Pierson Museum

Explore a rich collection of jewelry, posters, and decorative objects reflecting Art Nouveau's fascination with femininity.

The Allard Pierson museum presents 'Goddesses of Art Nouveau,' an exhibition dedicated to the complex portrayal of women during the Art Nouveau movement. Artists around 1900 often depicted the female form as a central motif, exploring themes from innocent virgins to powerful femme fatales. Explore a diverse array of stunning works, including intricate jewelry, iconic posters, and detailed book illustrations from renowned designers. This collection offers fascinating insight into the era's artistic sensibilities.

About Goddesses of Art Nouveau at Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Goddesses of Art Nouveau at Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam

Exhibition summary

This exhibition at the Allard Pierson explores the Art Nouveau fascination with the female figure around 1900, showcasing how artists depicted women as both dream and nightmare. It features a diverse range of works, including jewelry, posters, illustrations, and decorative objects, reflecting the era's artistic sensibilities and societal views.

Curatorial context

The Allard Pierson presents 'Goddesses of Art Nouveau,' the first exhibition in the Netherlands dedicated to the Art Nouveau movement's complex and often idealized portrayal of women. Around 1900, artists used the female form as a central motif, depicting them as innocent virgins, cruel mistresses, or pious Madonnas, reflecting a generation's desire to escape reality. The exhibition showcases a wide array of works, including intricate jewelry by René Lalique, iconic posters by Alphonse Mucha, book illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley, and many other pieces by renowned designers. Art Nouveau, which flourished between 1890 and 1914, drew heavily from nature, incorporating organic shapes and motifs from flora and fauna. The exhibition highlights beautiful females with elegant bodies and flowing hair, inspired by antiquity, Byzantine icons, and medieval legends. It features drawings, paintings, jewelry, glass, ceramics, textiles, metalwork, book covers, and illustrations, with a dedicated section for female artists active within the movement. Film footage of Loïe Fuller's revolutionary Serpentine Dance is also screened. Additionally, visual artist Matthias Oostrik has created an interactive installation with dancer Suzan Tunca, and a separate space explores contemporary art inspired by the exhibition theme. The exhibition was compiled by guest curator Dr. Yvonne Brentjens and organized in collaboration with the Baden State Museum in Karlsruhe and the State Museum of Braunschweig.

Admission and ticket notes

Information about ticketing is not explicitly detailed on this page, but the exhibition is hosted at the Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam. Visitors may find further details regarding admission and booking on the museum's official website.

Goddesses of Art Nouveau key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Goddesses of Art Nouveau at Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam

Venue
Allard Pierson Museum
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
From Oct 1, 2020
Artist line / attribution
Featuring works by artists such as René Lalique, Alphonse Mucha, Aubrey Beardsley, and Edward Burne-Jones, with a special focus on female artists active within Art Nouveau. An interactive installation by visual artist Matthias Oostrik with dancer Suzan Tunca is also presented. Compiled by guest curator Dr. Yvonne Brentjens.
More from Allard Pierson Museum
Explore additional exhibitions from the same institution
Review other exhibitions from Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam to compare themes, timelines, and program direction while planning your museum visit.
Watercolor illustration of theatrical costumes on mannequins with fringe details, two theatrical masks, and display tables. A yellow label reads 'Allard Pierson Celebrates World Pride.'

The Art of Transformation: Theatrical Identity Exhibition at Allard Pierson

A historical and contemporary exploration of performance, costumes, and identity.

Delve into the Allard Pierson Theatre Collection to uncover the significance of stage roles and self-representation. The exhibition features historical artifacts alongside contemporary artistic insights into the nature of transformation.

The Art of Transformation
Watercolor illustration in purple and gold featuring theatrical masks, pottery fragments, and a handwritten note, with text reading 'Allard Pierson celebrates World Pride!'

Change the world, not us. Exhibition at Allard Pierson

Historical artifacts detailing LGBTIQ+ narratives and gender diversity.

Discover how archaeology, theatre history, and books reveal the presence of gender diversity across human existence. This curated selection highlights the long-standing nature of sexual diversity beyond binary norms.

Change the world, not us.
Watercolor illustration of Johannes Nicolaas Helstone playing the piano, surrounded by archival items including sheet music, photographs, a book, and postcards, evoking the historical context of Suriname's post-abolition era.
From Jul 11, 2024

Discover Johannes N. Helstone: Suriname in Motion, a pioneering Surinamese classical composer

Explore his journey from slavery to cultural artistry.

Delve into the life and legacy of Johannes N. Helstone, a pivotal Surinamese classical composer. The exhibition traces his journey from slavery to celebrated musician, using personal archives and historical items. Understand the cultural history of Suriname through this unique perspective.

Exhibition Details
Art Nouveau-style decorative alphabet in purple watercolor, featuring flowing letterforms inspired by Japanese calligraphy and vintage print shop materials, displayed as part of the 'Letters of Art Nouveau' exhibition.
From Nov 1, 2019

"Letters of Art Nouveau": Exploring Groundbreaking Typography and Graphic Design History

A deep dive into letter forms and design from around 1900.

Discover how Art Nouveau profoundly influenced typography and graphic arts at the turn of the 20th century. Examine unique letter shapes, rare type specimens, and a fascinating 1960s design resurgence, showcasing the enduring legacy of this artistic movement.

Letters of Art Nouveau
Watercolor painting of a 20th-century theatre interior with a packed audience in boxes and balconies, showcasing vibrant purple and gold hues and a festive atmosphere.
From Jan 1, 2024

The Audience Portrayed: Martin Monnickendam Exhibition at Allard Pierson

Paintings of early 20th-century Amsterdam theatre audiences.

Discover Martin Monnickendam's vibrant depictions of historical theatre-goers. This exhibition at Allard Pierson celebrates a unique perspective on Amsterdam's rich cultural past and the museum's theatre collection milestone.

The Audience Portrayed
Watercolor illustration of ancient glass vessels in a museum display case, showcasing various shapes, colors, and translucency, evoking historical craftsmanship and artistry.

Glass: Made in Antiquity Exhibition – Exploring Ancient Craftsmanship and Artistry

Discover the beauty and production techniques of over 200 ancient glass objects.

Delve into the artistry of ancient glass at this exhibition, featuring more than 200 remarkable objects. Uncover the evolution of glassmaking from Egyptian origins to Roman innovations, revealed through modern research and captivating displays.

Glass Exhibition
Amsterdam

Find Engaging Exhibitions in Amsterdam for a Rich Cultural Exploration

Explore Amsterdam's dynamic schedule of art and heritage exhibitions.

Navigate Amsterdam's exhibition landscape to discover captivating showcases across various themes and venues. Delve into temporary displays, special collections, and cultural events. Plan your visits to experiences that intrigue you.