1890s

The art world in the 1890s witnessed a rich tapestry of cultural trends and artistic movements. It was a time of transition, marked by the tail end of the Victorian era and the beginning of the Belle Époque . In Europe, the Symbolist movement gained prominence, with artists such as Gustave Moreau and Odilon Redon exploring dreamlike and mystical themes, often infused with symbolism and psychological depth. The Aesthetic movement, led by artists like James McNeill Whistler, celebrated the beauty of art for art's sake, emphasizing aesthetic qualities and the pursuit of visual harmony. The 1890s also saw the emergence of Art Nouveau, characterized by intricate designs inspired by nature, with artists like Alphonse Mucha and Hector Guimard creating elegant and organic forms in various mediums. Additionally, the advent of photography brought new possibilities and artistic experimentation, with photographers like Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Steichen pushing the boundaries of the medium. The 1890s were a time of artistic exploration, a fusion of styles, and a departure from the rigid conventions of the past, paving the way for the dynamic art world of the 20th century.

Simultaneously, technological innovations began altering societal fabric. The automobile, spearheaded by visionaries like Karl Benz and Ransom Olds, heralded a transport evolution. Nikola Tesla's strides in alternating current (AC) would redefine power distribution, while phonographs began filling homes with melodies and voices. The safety bicycle surged in popularity, and the Lumière brothers in France gave the world its first commercial motion picture glimpse. Furthermore, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen's discovery of X-rays in 1895 marked a medical revolution. Collectively, these artistic and technological leaps, whether nascent or becoming ubiquitous, sculpted the forthcoming century's trajectory.