From April 5, 2024, at the museum "Riga Art Nouveau Center" visitors can view an exhibition showcasing the representation of the femme fatale in Art Nouveau art. Exhibition shows the idealized, beautiful and diverse image of a woman, it displays in applied art objects and works of art from private collections and the collection of the museum "Riga Art Nouveau Center".
In every era, a woman had, is and will have her own importance. During the Art Nouveau period, her image and role was especially mystified and glorified, she was even portrayed in extremely idealized, feminine and seductive forms. A slim, attractive – and often naked – woman with flowing hair can be seen in art nouveau jewelry, paintings, book graphics, decorative arts and advertising created by artists and designers.
The ladies of the past aristocracy, mythological beings, as well as realistic images presented in the exhibition "Femme Fatale" create a multifaceted picture of the development of the role and status of women in the European society of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the museum visitors on display will be see an array of porcelain plates, vases, cups and tableware decorated with the faces of ladies of the past aristocracy, decorative and also practical metal objects, including business card plates, a coffee storage box from St. Petersburg and a cookie box from London. Particularly interesting are the images of wall painting samples that the painters could have used in the artistic decoration of the rooms. The image of a woman was also popular in advertising. This area is represented by the box lid from the packaging of the sweets made in Voldemara Bonica's pastry shop in Liepaja. All of the objects mentioned are complemented by books, postcards, color lithographs, drawings and paintings from the museum collection.
The exhibition at the museum "Riga Art Nouveau Center" can be viewed until May 26, 2024. The museum is open from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. every day except Mondays.