The Spearhead of the Art Nouveau Movement

In this lecture, French art historian Tosca Ruggieri will take you into the flourishing workshops of Nancy and reveal how this regional movement became a true spearhead of Art Nouveau in France and beyond.

At the turn of the 20th century, the city of Nancy became one of the most vibrant centers of Art Nouveau, a movement that sought harmony between art and life.

The École de Nancy brought together artists, architects, designers, and craftsmen who rejected imitation of the past and instead turned to the natural world, its plants, flowers, and flowing organic forms, for inspiration.

Through the visionary creations of masters such as Émile Gallé, Louis Majorelle, and the Daum brothers, Nancy became synonymous with exquisite glasswork, elegant furniture, and bold architectural designs. The École de Nancy was not only about beauty: it also carried a strong idealistic and even political dimension, reflecting the optimism of a new century and the belief that art should be accessible in everyday life.

Other lectures in the serie Art with Tosca - René Lalique, Jewels of Nature (Dec. 9th) and The Making of the Louvre (Jan.13th)

Tosca Ruggieri, art historian and museum educator was raised between France & Italy. Fueled by a lifelong love for art, Tosca established Art with Tosca in 2021 after moving to Washington D.C. Tosca holds degrees from EPHE-Sorbonne, Paris and King’s College London. Prior to founding Art with Tosca, Tosca enriched her experience by working for a prominent art collector in Paris and in London art galleries. Now, Tosca shares her passion on a wider scale through a series of online lectures. Based in Washington D.C., Tosca also curates captivating tours of the D.C. museums, in particular at the National Gallery of Art, guiding guests through a treasure trove of masterpieces, spanning the Italian Renaissance to modern times. Tosca's mission is to make art a more approachable through engaging experiences. Whether you're joining from the comfort of your home through lectures and virtual events or exploring museums halls in person, Tosca offers journeys through centuries of artistic expression

*** WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ***

Date : Tuesday, November 18th, 2025
Time : 7:00pm
Duration : 1 hour
Format : 45-50 min Lecture in English, followed by 10-15 min Q&A in French (optional)
Location : Online (Zoom)  - Opportunity for those who attended or registered to receive the replay
Language : English, French  
Fee : $12 for AF Members / $15 for non AF Members

*** REGISTRATION ***

Register by filling the form below and we will send you a link the morning of  the event to join the meeting with the lecturer and the other participants.

If you pass the deadline to register, call us on (215) 735-5283 and we will add you to the list of participants.

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