Bronze-Age Crete and Art Nouveau: A Diachronic Dialog

Abstract

This dissertation examines the relationship between Minoan art and Art Nouveau. The Minoan civilization was rediscovered at the turn of the twentieth century when the Art Nouveau movement reached its peak. Due to this coincidental timing, their artistic resemblance has raised questions about whether Minoan art had inspired Art Nouveau and whether Art Nouveau played a role in the restoration of Minoan art. The possibility of a Minoan influence on Art Nouveau is considered through a number of aspects, which include news reports on the excavations, Minoan collections acquired by museums, reference to the Minoans in various fields, application of Minoan motifs, and the attractiveness of the Minoans to Art Nouveau artists. As for the reversed influence, the research analyzes how archaeologists came to see the Minoans as a “modern” civilization, investigates the background of the restorers of Minoan objects, and provides examples of fresco restorations that illustrate an Art Nouveau preference of the early archaeologists and restorers. With the evidence and the discussion, I argue that the existing connection between Minoan art and Art Nouveau is beyond doubt.