the German-speaking version of the Art Nouveau Style In 1896, in
Munich (Germany) a cultural magazine "Die Jugend" (meaning
Youth) created by Georg Hirth was actively promoting a "new
style" (Stil in German) in art and many local artists were
participating in this effort to fight against the tradition. The
sucess of the initiative was such that this new way of life was
called "JUGENDSTIL" or "Style of the Youth". This new style was
contemporary of the Art Nouveau style and the other related
styles that were expanding everywhere in Europe. Throughout the
years, JUGENDSTIL has become the usual term to designate the Art
Nouveau style which developed in Germany and Austria during
those years. Many important companies as WMF have contributed to
export and make known all over the world this style, combining
decorative motives as the feminine figure (usually represented
entwined in long hair and soft dresses) and austere geometric
patterns. Other less known companies were very much involved
with Jugendstil, such as: