We are just finishing our trip to Argentina and Chile. Everywhere we went, I was reminded of the role of nature in the works of American and French companies from the Art Nouveau period.
![](https://blog.chasenantiques.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/chilean-copihue-flower-480x720.jpg)
![](https://blog.chasenantiques.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/tiffanylilywavy-445x720.jpg)
Lapageria rosea, known locally as Chilean bellflower or Copihue, is the national flower of Chile. We found this exceptionally beautiful flower on a walk through a nature reserve near Pucón, Chile. My first thought was that it’s the same size and shape as a Tiffany Studios lily shade, even more so than real lily flowers.
![](https://blog.chasenantiques.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/chilean-rocky-river-720x540.jpg)
![](https://blog.chasenantiques.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/handel-rocky-river.jpg)
The same day we came across a beautiful rocky river, which immediately reminded me of one of Handel’s most beautiful lamps.
Small wonder that I love Art Nouveau.
![](https://blog.chasenantiques.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Volcano-Villarica-540x720.jpg)
BTW, if you’re wondering where to go for your next adventure, I suggest the Patagonia region of Argentina and the lake and volcanoes area of Chile. You can drive from one to the other in a few hours. Great food and hotels are dirt cheap on the Argentine side and a little more expensive on the Chilean side, but still quite reasonable. You’ll thank me!
![](https://blog.chasenantiques.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/chicago-merchandise-2019-720x460.jpg)