Art Nouveau and Art Deco in The Hobbit

21 February 2014 11:08

Organic shapes, Mountains, rocks, flowers and plants, woods and fairytale-like valleys: the wilderness of Middle-earth was created in 1937 by J.R.R. Tolkien in his book The Hobbit. Tolkien was clearly inspired by the Art Nouveau movement, which abundantly features similar elements. The film-makers were able to successfully translate these imaginative and dramatic shapes to the big screen.

The novel The Hobbit

The novel The Hobbit or There and Back Again from 1937 was beautifully illustrated by Tolkien himself with mystical and stylized drawings based on Art Deco and Art Nouveau that depict the imaginative world of Middle-earth. The illustrations set themselves apart by having dramatic and clear lines (typically Art Deco) and organic motifs that symbolize nature (typically Art Nouveau). Even malicious creatures and threatening situations were designed in this exquisite way, which places much more emphasis on the delicate style of the drawings than on evoking a threatening feeling. By doing this, Tolkien allowed the imagination of the reader to fun freely.

Trolls Mirkwood

The film ‘The Hobbit’

Middle-earth, that was depicted in such a stylised way in the book, was sublimely adapted to film in the two movies that have been released, namely, ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’ and ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’. When it comes to the film’s design, the creators let themselves be inspired by Art Deco and Art Nouveau motifs. To create the world of the dwarves, the film-makers were inspired by geometric, Art Deco motifs. The Art Nouveau influence can clearly be seen in the world of the Elves. Wavy lines, mystical symbols, romantic and organic motifs are typical for this art movement and they are visible in the world of the Elves in ‘The Hobbit’.

Dwerg jas met Art Deco motieven Elf met Art Nouveau sieraden

The Hobbit and Art Deco Web Store

Art Deco Web Store offers various products that are in the style of The Hobbit. Pieces of Art Nouveau jewellery particularly evoke the imaginative atmosphere of the world of the Elves. Have a look, for instance, at the necklace Jugendstil Fantastic, necklace Helena, necklace Caressa, necklace Mirage, necklace Sophisticated, necklace and earrings Muse, ring Pearl Ecstasy, ring Whimsical, brooch Liane, brooch Symbolic and brooch Papillon. Even more pieces of Art Nouveau jewellery can be found in the category Jewellery. The Jugendstil Unica table lamp would look completely at home in the whimsical world of the Elves in ‘The Hobbit’. The stunning film adaptation of the novel The Hobbit shows that Art Deco and Art Nouveau have deep roots in the world of literature, film and art.