2026 MFA Boston The Art of Ornament Wall Calendar

Art Nouveau ornamental design, which flourished between 1890 and 1910 in Europe and the U.S.—but is still very much alive—was adapted for use on fabrics, tiles, stained glass, wall papers, book illustration, carpets, posters, and tableware. It’s characterized by its use of graceful, undulating asymmetrical line that often is combined with elements from nature such as vine tendrils hanging flower clusters, repeat floral patterns, or dragon fly and butterfly wings. Art Nouveau design influenced—and was often created by—well known and well loved artists including Alphonse Mucha, William Morris and Aubrey Beardsely. The beautifully colored patterns in this calendar come from the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and are paired with explanatory text.