The Paris Exposition of 1900
The Paris Exposition ran from April 15 to November 12th of 1900. This event exhibited a specific moment in history when countless individuals, art movements and cultures were brought together in the name of modernity. This intersection and diverse environment grounded in the celebration of the newness of innovation. The grounds spanned 112 hectares along the banks of the Seine and surrounding the Eiffel Tower. Paris transformed into a dazzling city which fully established itself as the “City of Lights’.
Art Nouveau had a special place in the Exposition Universelle of 1900 since the theme of the Exposition “A Retrospective of the Previous Century.” and thus the presence of Art Nouveau was shrouded in questions of its place in this event. Regardless, this widespread art style found its place in the Exposition, and while not the focal point, still defined the Exposition and was the pinnacle of the style itself. Art Nouveau architectural style and art was displayed on the broad walkway of the Esplanade des Invalides.
Map of Paris Exposition
This source is a color-lithographed poster of the grounds of the 1900 Exposition universelle in Paris. The view overlooks the Seine, the Grand Palais, the exhibition buildings leading to Les Invalides, the Eiffel Tower, and the exhibition buildings constructed around it. Some of the more fantastical buildings constructed for the Exposition are shown, such as the Globe Céleste. At the top are vignettes of the pavilions of foreign countries, the palace of electricity and castle of water, the Grand Palais, and the Porte Monumentale.
Figaro Illustré
A photo of the cover of an issue of Figaro Illustré (no. 124)—a monthly supplement published by the prominent French newspaper of the time, Le Figaro. Each issue would contain a combination of news, lifestyle, literature and fashion articles and during 1900 it covered events at the Paris Exposition. Inside the issue, there are photos of some of the architecture, sculptural work, fashion and theatre performances that were on display at the exposition, showcasing the multifaceted Art Nouveau style.
Petit and Grand Palace
This photo of the the Petit Palais (on the left of the image) and the Grand Palais (on the right of the image) is from La Panorama: Exposition universelle, 1900 published by Ludovic Baschet—a book that is a photographic record of the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle. The grounds and buildings of the Paris Exposition were a defining presence of the Exposition. The Grand and Petit Palais were built specifically for the occasion, and are still standing today.
Bosnia & Herzegovina Pavilion by Alphonse Mucha
An illustration by Alphonse Mucha of Bosnia & Herzegovina Pavilion which was featured in the magazine 'Le Figaro Illustré. This illusitration depicts the exterior of the pavillion and demonstrates the national patriotism of a man who was between countries. Many of the countries participating in the Exposition had their own pavilions, showcasing national art, history and innovation. Mucha was commissioned by the Austrian government for murals to decorate the inside walls of the pavilion.