How did Art Nouveau primarily influence visual aesthetics?

Art Nouveau primarily influenced visual aesthetics by incorporating natural forms and flowing lines, which were key characteristics of the movement. This style is celebrated for its organic motifs, intricate details, and curvilinear designs that draw inspiration from nature. Artists and designers in this movement sought to blend art and life, creating works that featured flowing shapes that mimic the aesthetics found in plants, flowers, and other elements of the natural world. This approach marked a departure from the rigid forms and historical references prominent in previous art movements, emphasizing a more harmonious and rhythmic visual experience.

The other choices reflect different artistic principles or movements. Focusing on functionality over beauty aligns more with modernist ideas, stark contrasts and linear designs are characteristic of movements like Cubism or Minimalism, and emphasizing modular construction relates to design approaches found in architecture and industrial design. Thus, the integration of nature and flowing lines distinctly defines Art Nouveau's contribution to visual aesthetics.