WHAT IS ART NOUVEAU? Art Nouveau was a style intended to stand against the industrialization of jewelry and decorative arts. The style marked the turn of the century and the coming of the "modern age." Although the period was short lived, the jewelry and art from that era was a radical shift from the somber mass produced style of the Victorian era. The nude female figure or female head with long flowing hair was a popular motif, as were nature themes of butterflies, dragonflies, insects, orchids, irises, water lilies and poppies. The peaceful fluid style was often produced in pastel colors.