- New information is the moving force for modernism and change. Modernism’s efforts for reaching the new also affected art and design movements, thus caused the emergence of “Art Nouveau”. This movement, which was named as Art Nouveau in France, Secessionstil in Austria, and Jugendstil in Germany, meaning “youth style” in German language. This name was taken from a magazine named “Jugend”, which was first issued in 1896 in Munich. Improvement in communication technologies, as well as the printing techniques during this period accelerated the formation and spread of printed materials.

During this period, numerous artists, such as Otto Eckmann, Ludwig von Zumbusch, Hans Christiansen, Adolf Münzer, Georg Hirth designed covers for the Jugend magazine. These covers reflecting the impressions of Modernism feature all visual characteristics of Art Nouveau, decorative floral motifs, organic figures and smooth drawings being in the first place. Designer’s re-interpretation of the logo alongside the cover design for each issue reflect the liberal approach of Jugend.

Distinctive rules of this movement, which defends the new against the conventional attitude and targets change by benefiting also the experience of the old like Modernism, find their selves on the covers of Jugend. In this sense, Jugend, being a bridge between the old and the new, with its interest taken also to creative abstract shapes and forms, paves the way for abstract art.

Jugend magazine, having considerable amount of reader, has become a graphic art platform where the graphic and illustrative works of Art Nouveau artists of the period were exhibited.  These unique designs are of great importance in respect of art history and art and design education. Examination of these covers and Art Nouveau style is also of high importance in terms of understanding the their impact  on art and design.

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