Discover The Timeless Influence of Anton Seder's Art Nouveau Designs
We're currently working on a book showcasing Anton Seder's stunning designs. We can't wait to share them with you, but until then, we've included a selection of some of our favourite images in this article introducing his life and work.
Anton Seder was a renowned German artist and educator known for his contributions to the Art Nouveau movement. He was born in Munich, Germany, on 11th January 1850 and died on 1st December 1916 in Strasbourg, France.
Plate 4 from 'Das Thier in der Decorativen Kunst' by Anton Seder
In 1889 Seder was appointed the first director of École supérieure des arts décoratifs de Strasbourg, a school of decorative arts (the institute is known today as Haute école des arts du Rhin). A few years after his appointment, the school moved to its present building, where one of his early students painted the building's facade with a design by Seder. It was a well-respected and influential institution, and his leadership at the school helped shape the future of decorative arts in Germany. He believed in the importance of practical, workshop-based experience and hiring young teachers, as Seder thought they were open to creative experimentation.
Seder was known for blending artistic creativity with technical precision, which is especially evident in his design works and educational methods. Seder also played a crucial role in several architectural and creative projects in Strasbourg, including decorative works for public buildings, such as the entrance hall and stairwell of the Institute of Zoology and the Pont de l'Université (now the Pont d'Auvergne) and beautiful designs for ornate iron gates.
Plate 5 from 'Das Thier in der Decorativen Kunst' by Anton Seder
Seder's Artistic Publications: A Legacy in Print
Beyond his role as an educator, Seder was also an accomplished author, publishing approximately ten works devoted to drawing and painting and co-editing a journal dedicated to the Arts and Crafts movement in Alsace-Lorraine. His most famous works, 'Das Thier in der Decorativen Kunst' and 'Die Pflanze in Kunst und Gewerbe', are landmark books in the study of decorative art. These works exemplify his fascination with nature and how it could be adapted into various decorative forms.
Plate 187 from 'Die Pflanze in Kunst und Gewerbe' by Anton Seder
Introducing Anton Seder's 'Das Thier in der Decorativen Kunst'
In 'Das Thier in der Decorativen Kunst' (The Animal in Decorative Art), 1896, Seder focuses on adapting animal forms, both real and imagined, into ornamental designs. The book features intricate illustrations of familiar animals, such as birds, insects, fish and mammals, alongside fantastical imaginary dragons. These colourful, elegant images are a wealth of timeless inspiration for creatives of all types. Over 125 years after it was first published, 'Das Thier in der Decorativen Kunst' remains an essential reference for artists and designers interested in the interplay between nature and decorative arts.
Plate 1 from 'Das Thier in der Decorativen Kunst' by Anton Seder
Exploring 'Die Pflanze in Kunst und Gewerbe' by Anton Seder
In 'Die Pflanze in Kunst und Gewerbe' (The Plant in Art and Industry), ca. 1887-9, Seder explores how plant forms can inspire various artistic applications. His beautifully detailed illustrations of flowers, leaves, and vines show artists how nature's beauty can be incorporated into multiple designs and ornamentations. This work, like 'Das Thier in der Decorativen Kunst' became highly influential in the Art Nouveau movement, emphasising the natural world as a rich source of artistic inspiration.
Plate 48 from 'Die Pflanze in Kunst und Gewerbe' by Anton Seder
The Enduring Legacy of Anton Seder
Seder's impact continued well after his death, mainly through his teacher role and extensive publications. His focus on incorporating natural forms into decorative arts and his efforts to bridge art with industrial design were instrumental in influencing the evolution of design principles, particularly within the Art Nouveau movement. Stay tuned for news on our upcoming books about Anton Seder!
Plate 56 from 'Die Pflanze in Kunst und Gewerbe' by Anton Seder
