Sex and Sensibility: The Allure of Art Nouveau

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Stephen Smith

Franny Moyle

Mary Downes

Sex and Sensibility: The Allure of Art Nouveau: Episode 1: Paris

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Episode 1

Episode 1: Paris

BBC Four - Sex and Sensibility: The Allure of Art Nouveau, Paris

Cultural correspondent Stephen Smith explores the objects of Parisian Art Nouveau.

Stephen Smith explores the objects of Parisian Art Nouveau and learns how some of the 19th century's most glamorous, controversial figures inspired an extraordinary movement.

The delicious objects of Parisian Art Nouveau are explored by cultural correspondent Stephen Smith. Uncovering how the luscious decorative style first erupted into the cityscape, Stephen delves into the city's bohemian past to learn how some of the 19th century's most glamorous and controversial figures inspired this extraordinary movement. 

Revealing the story behind Alphonse Mucha's sensual posters of actress Sarah Bernhardt, looking at the exquisite jewellery designer Renee Lalique and visiting iconic art nouveau locations such the famous Maxim's restaurant, the programme builds a picture of fin-de-siecle Paris. 

But Smith also reveals that the style is more than just veneer deep. Looking further into the work of glassmaker Emile Galle and architect Hector Guimard, he sees how some of art nouveau's stars risked their reputation to give meaning and purpose to work they thought could affect social change.

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How Art Nouveau flourished in burgeoning European cities at the end of the 19th century

Series which looks at how the Art Nouveau movement flourished in the burgeoning cities of Europe at the end of the 19th century

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Sex and Sensibility: The Allure of Art Nouveau

Episode 1: Paris

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