Ianthe – Art Nouveau | The Print Affair

Art Nouveau sprung up in the 1890s-1910s, inspired by the organic sensuality of the natural world. Its artistic devotees rebelled against the distinction drawn between art and crafts, with designs created in furniture, jewellery, ceramics, glass and dress, along with painting and sculpture. Intrinsically associated with the Liberty store, Art Nouveau is still known in Italy as ‘Stile Liberty’. Ianthe is a quintessential example of Art Nouveau design, characterised by its sinuous, highly stylised layout of delicate flowers and curling lines.

Originally devised as a wallpaper border in c.1902 by French artist René Beauclair, Ianthe was first printed for Liberty in 1967 as part of the decade’s revival of ornate Art Nouveau styles. The design joined the Tana Classics collection in 1986.

Like the violets that possibly inspired its name, Ianthe reflowers for each new generation. It has appeared on designs for silk pyjamas, cotton bedding, fine jewellery and leather stationery, and was recently reworked in a new contemporary iteration known as Iphis – named after Ianthe’s lover from the Greek myth, as told in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. This season the artwork is celebrated within the Ianthe accessories collection, expertly printed in Italy on our signature coated canvas as a striking, stripped-back two-tone.

There are plenty of products on liberty.com showcasing this beautifully striking print. From scarves to bedding, bags to mens’ Pyjamas. This print is so versatile as it is available in so many colourways; totally updating a vintage and classic print.