Evil by Design documents the search for the origins of the iconic "femme fatale." Depicted as a dangerous, depraved, and deadly woman, this image was found frequently in Salon paintings from 1885 to 1910. Elizabeth K. Menon's study is the first to use popular sources to make the critical link between the femme fatale and the rise of feminism. In addition to the Salon paintings, Menon sifts through a variety of popular sources, including French illustrated journals, literature, posters, and decorative arts. Over 120 images depict women with serpents, evil flowers, and even miniature men having...

Reveals the Art Nouveau period (1890-1905) as an era dedicated to design reform in all areas of the visual arts. Architecture, interior decoration, furniture, jewellery, bookbinding, posters, ceramics, glass, wallpaper, and textiles, are the subjects of critical documentation; annotated bibliographic entries from literature of the period, provide evidence for the spread of design changes in France, Belgium, England, and the United States. Evidence from later publications adds a chronological dimension and demonstrates the changes in the way the Art Nouveau period has been studied.

First published in 1998. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.