Jugendstil, the German interpretation of Art Nouveau design, which took hold in Europe at the end of the 19th century and first years of the 20th century, did not subscribe to the exaggerated attenuation and sinuously curvilinear natural forms of the French and Belgian styles. Jugendstil artists, although also basing their designs in nature, often used abstracted forms in a spare and more simplified manner with an eye towards techniques of mechanical production.Ferdinand Hauser, the Austrian sculptor and goldsmith, moved from Vienna to Munich to become part of the new modern movement. Hauser's brooch highlights this Jugendstil style. The lapis-like blue enameled central element is decorated with inlaid gold stylized lotus flowers - abstract forms with freely curving stems - which surround the central moonstone. Thirteen teardrop moonstones are suspended from gold chains. Hauser's use of semi-precious and colored materials rather than all white, precious stones such as diamonds, pearls and platinum, appealed to the most progressive circles in Europe, much as did the work of his French counterpart, René Lalique.
