I will not post things here anymore, instead follow me on: http://blueberrygarden.wordpress.com,
where I will post Mamsell Proust things such as vintage, old pics and romantic things from now on.
Welcome!
Art Nouveau
The Art Nouveau movement occurred in the late 19th century from about 1894 to 1914, and was represented in Europe as well as in the United States. In each country “Art Nouveau” had a different meaning and identity, and artists were often piqued against each other in defining the art period. In summary, Art Nouveau is the avant-garde movement of the period in reaction to historical and academic perspectives.
Art Nouveau artists wished to blur the lines between famous and minor artists, and unifying all arts, and unifying art with everyday human life – in essence, the art of the period became part of the architecture, placards, and jewelry in an attempt to combine life and art. Art Nouveau is characterized by its elegant decorative style, detailed patterns, curving lines, and art innovation. Leading artists include Aubrey Beardsley, Gustav Klimt, Alphonse Mucha, and the glassmaker Louis Comfort Tiffany.
Old commercial posters
I love old commercial posters. They were often simple yet beautiful paintings, often colorful.
Here are some posters I found interesting:
This is a poster for Wrigleys Chewing gum from 1939
Early commercial for Coca Cola
‘Fiat automobili’
‘Obesity soap‘
Art Noveau – very common in Paris and France.
Automobiles and bicycles
Old Christmascards and paintings
Here is a selection of old christmas cards. These two paintings above is made by the Swedish painter, Carl Larsson, who lived in Dalecarlia with his wife Karin Larsson (also an artist)
and their children in the middle of 1800.
Children was very common in the paintings / cards.
This christmascard/photography is from Great Britain, in the beginning of 1900s.
This is a movie about Carl Larsson from 1916.
Lucia
Painting by Carl Larsson
The Swedish Lucia is a bearer of light, literally. Candles are her customary headgear, and on December 13, the whole country is lit up as Swedes mark Lucia Day, a day associated with the Italian martyr, Saint Lucia. Many Lucia events stay true to tradition with Lucia donning real candles in her hair, although a switch to a battery-powered version is increasingly common.
The white-clad Lucia brings her choral entourage, a sprinkling of joy, a sensation of light and, more practically, coffee and saffron buns (see the recipe on the right) to her audience. Legend has it that the original saint helped poor and needy Christians by bringing them food and drink.
Candles are must-have accessories in Swedish homes. In December four advent candles are often lit, one at a time, in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. Advent is also the time to switch on the electric candlestick, a popular Swedish ornament, usually with seven candles set in pyramid form, which was actually invented by a Swede, Oscar Andersson, in 1934.
Jenny Nyström – Swedish painter and illustrator
Jenny Nyström is the girl from Kalmar, Sweden that went to Paris and became one of Sweden’s most beloved illustrators. She was an academically skilled artist in a time when a woman’s role was to take care of home and family. She was the mother of the Swedish “Tomte” (Santa Claus) She began to study at The Gothenburg Museum Fine Arts School.
Jenny was a good student, and considered as very talented. She made Illustrations to Viktor Rydbergs tale “Little Viggs Adventure on Christmas Eve”. The book, with Jenny’s Illustrations have since then been printed in at least 15 editions, it has also been translated into several languages. (photograph of Jenny below)
These illustrations established her life long relationship with the Tomte character (Santa Claus).
Languishing for Paris, she had to win the Royal Medal. She portrayed Gustav Vasa (Gustavus Vasa as a Child before King Hans). With this painting, Jenny Nyström received the Royal Medal, together with 2000 Swedish crowns from the Academy’s special travel support fund. Finally she could go to Paris. The big goal in Paris was to exhibit on the Salon, and by that become an acknowledged artist. Jenny worked hard and determined, improving in her artistry. In 1884 Jenny made her first appearance at the Salon with a unique self portrait in oil. Her dreams were fulfilled.
Old public library and typewriter
