The museums were closed today, it being Monday, well, except for the Pompidou, and the weather was threatening rain, so we went shopping over in the 2nd arrondissement. To get there we took the metro, which greeted us with one of its wonderful cast iron Art Nouveau entrance signs.
Art Nouveau is described as a style inspired by nature, such as the sinuous curves of plants and flowers.
French architect Hector Guimard's design for the metro signs features two stem-like lamp posts joined by an arch. Each stalk is topped with a glowing red orb reminiscent of an insect's eye or perhaps a flower bud. The typeface used in the sign came to be associated with the Art Nouveau style. It is quite a treat when something as simple as a subway sign can provide so much visual pleasure.
