Horta and the Grammar of Art Nouveau

Horta and the Grammar of Art Nouveau explores Victor Horta's architectural approach, focusing on the Tassel house and themes such as structure, materials, and light. It also explores the relation between Horta's invention and King Leopold II's colonial enterprise. The publication is illustrated with maps, plans, and unpublished photographic material.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 05 March 2024
Publisher: Yale University Press

Horta and the Grammar of Art Nouveau is a groundbreaking exploration of Victor Horta's architectural approach, shedding light on the tools he used to conceive his designs. The book delves into the architectural sources of Horta's Tassel House, providing insight into his creative process. It also discusses fundamental themes in Horta's architecture, including the rhetorical use of structure, innovative material usage, and the integration of light into dynamic plans. Additionally, the book explores the connection between Horta's invention of Art Nouveau and King Leopold II's colonial enterprise. Illustrated with maps, plans, and unpublished photographic material commissioned by Horta, this publication offers a comprehensive understanding of Horta's architectural legacy.

The book is organized into three parts:

Part I: The Architectural Sources of Horta's Tassel House
In this section, the book focuses on the architectural sources of Horta's Tassel House. It examines the building's design, construction, and decorative elements, providing insight into where and how Horta conceived his designs. The chapter also discusses the influence of other architects and designers on Horta's work, such as Art Nouveau pioneers Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Part II: Fundamental Themes in Horta's Architecture
This section explores fundamental themes of Horta's architecture, such as the rhetorical use of structure, the innovative use of materials, and the use of light in the development of dynamic plans. The chapter discusses Horta's approach to creating buildings that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, emphasizing his attention to detail and his commitment to using natural materials.

Part III: The Relation between Horta's Invention of Art Nouveau and the Colonial Enterprise of King Leopold II
In this section, the book explores the relation between Horta's invention of Art Nouveau and the colonial enterprise of King Leopold II. It examines how Horta's architectural style was influenced by his involvement in the Belgian Congo and how his designs were used to promote the colonial project. The chapter also discusses the ethical and political implications of Horta's collaboration with King Leopold II, particularly in light of the atrocities committed in the Congo during the late 19th century.

The book is illustrated with a variety of maps, plans, and unpublished photographic material commissioned by Victor Horta. These illustrations provide a visual representation of Horta's architectural legacy and allow readers to appreciate the intricate details of his designs.

Overall, Horta and the Grammar of Art Nouveau is a groundbreaking exploration of Victor Horta's architectural approach, shedding light on the tools he used to conceive his designs and the fundamental themes that shaped his work. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of Horta's architectural legacy and its connection to the broader context of Art Nouveau and colonialism.

Dimension: 258 x 207 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300276282