This book is focused on Eugene Grasset who can be called The Father of Art Nouveau. The book contains the thoughts and impressions of his contemporaries and over 150 images of his work.
“Indeed the true master as well as the true initiator of the revival of the decorative arts in France, we will not deny, is Eugène Grasset.” Histoire générale de l’art français de la Révolution à nos jours (1923)
Grasset was labeled by his contemporaries as a Universal Artist for several reasons. He understood a variety of materials, how each required a different approach and how each could be applied to the different branches of the decorative arts. Those who enjoy cubism may find themselves paying some tribute to Grasset’s geometric interpretations of nature. You may even find the dark lines of his works reminiscent of both stained glass works as well as Picasso’s works.
Grasset had many students including M.P. Verneuil, Mathurin Méheut, Augusto Giacometti, Paul Follot, and Paul Berthon. Louis Rhead has been quoted as owing his career to Grasset. Both Pierre Jeanneret and Le Corbusier were influenced by Grasset, the later being credited as a founder of modern architecture.
