Mackmurdo's woodcut print is an example of the influence of English design, and by extension the Arts and Crafts movement, on Art Nouveau. In particular, Mackmurdo's use of positive and negative space, his abstract-cum-naturalistic forms, and the trademark "whiplash" curves, are all characteristic of the visual and decorative energy that would eventually define Art Nouveau. However, despite Mackmurdo's print being commonly referred to as the very first work of Art Nouveau, its obvious differences with later works still make it a key precursor rather than definitive example of the movement's style.
Woodcut on handmade paper