French Art Nouveau Ceramics

Book excerpt: "L'art nouveau, an artistic movement of a highly eclectic nature that developed in the late 19th century, took its lead from such diverse sources as Japanese art or the medieval revivalism of the Arts and Crafts. Perhaps in no medium was it better represented than in pottery, whose technical possibilities allowed for great freedom of expression. This richly illustrated dictionary, with glossary and select signatures, lists over 1,100 artists, ceramists and firms that participated in the creation of Art Nouveau ceramics in France, the melting pot of die new aesthetic."--Page 4 of cover.