What are the defining characteristics of Art Nouveau furniture and its use of organic lines and new materials?

• A. Curvilinear whiplash lines, plant-inspired motifs, flowing shapes, and sometimes new materials like wrought iron and glass.
• B. Rectilinear, austere forms dominated by wood carvings.
• C. Excessive classical ornament and gilding.
• D. Purely functional forms with no natural motifs.

Answer: (C)

Art Nouveau furniture is defined by flowing, curvilinear lines that resemble natural forms—whiplash curves that twist and turn like vines. These organic shapes are often paired with plant- and flower-inspired motifs, giving the pieces a sense of movement and growth. The style also embraces new materials and techniques of the time, such as wrought iron, glass, and curved wood, to realize those sinuous forms and to fuse decoration with function. This combination of natural inspiration and innovative materials marks Art Nouveau as distinct from stricter, rectilinear designs, revival-era ornament, or purely utilitarian forms.