visual element 2

• WHAT

  • Strong, realistic sense of natural form.
  • Art Nouveau designers took their inspiration from natural forms like the female body and insects such as dragonflies and beetles.
• WHERE

  • Realistic, curving hourglass form of the female bust with scarab beetles on either side of her head.
  • Strong, curved form of the Griffin claws.
• WHY

  • Visually striking piece due to sensuality of the woman and predatory feeling created by the claws.
  • Intricately carved forms of the figure and the claws bring a sense of solidity and durability to the design.
  • Claws made out of gold would add to their strength and the way they are behind the figure makes it appear clinging to the wearer.
  • Projects the female bust forward, giving her the appearance of a figurehead at the front of an old fashioned sailing ship.