Le Style sapin: Une experience de l'art nouveau

La Chaux-de-Fonds, located in the Swiss Jura region, experienced significant economic development in the late 19th century, coinciding with a local variant of art nouveau known as Style sapin or "fir style." Inspired by Charles LEplattenier and his art and decoration course, this movement emphasized the use of symbolic motifs reflecting the nature of the Jura landscape, particularly its fir forests. This book provides a comprehensive survey of the Style sapin, exploring its international context and local facets, and highlighting the contributions of female artists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2022
Publisher: Scheidegger und Spiess AG, Verlag

Nestled in the picturesque mountains of the Swiss Jura region, La Chaux-de-Fonds stands at an elevation of approximately 3,300 feet above sea level, a location that played a pivotal role in its remarkable economic growth towards the end of the 19th century. This period coincided with a surge in construction activity, marking a significant chapter in the town's history. Few places in Switzerland can rival La Chaux-de-Fonds in its embrace of the art nouveau movement, a style that left an indelible mark on its architecture and culture.

The influence of Charles LEplattenier, a painter and architect who taught at the local school of applied arts in 1905, was particularly profound. LEplattenier's art and decoration course inspired a local variant of art nouveau known as the Style sapin, or "fir style." The proponents of this movement placed great emphasis on the use of symbolic motifs that captured the essence of the Jura landscape, particularly its majestic fir forests.

This captivating book provides a comprehensive exploration of the Style sapin, offering a bridge into the 21st century. It contextualizes the "fir style" within the broader international realm of art nouveau while also delving into its unique local characteristics. The author highlights the enduring traces of this movement in fields such as watchmaking, applied arts, and architecture, emphasizing its lasting impact. Moreover, the book sheds light on the previously overlooked contributions of female artists who played a significant role in the Style sapin.

Written in French, this insightful text offers a deep dive into the artistic and cultural heritage of La Chaux-de-Fonds, providing a valuable perspective on the evolution of art nouveau and its enduring influence on the world of design and architecture.

Weight: 976g
Dimension: 238 x 290 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783858818843