The Art Nouveau style evolved throughout Europe and many artists adopted and conformed to the organic style presented. Two artists that stand out to me and have always interested me are Antonio Gaudi and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Both are considered Art Nouveau artists, but they both have very different styles to me. In comparison, their lives have many similarities, with their childhoods influencing the artists they became and the legacies they both leave behind. In this essay, I will compare their lives, styles, influences, and legacies. Charles Rennie Mackintosh, born in Glasgow in 1868, was and still is a hugely important icon in the history of architecture. His life was not always easy from a young age as he suffered from various disabilities. At school he had difficulty reading and writing, considered slow by teachers, but in today's modern world he would be considered dyslexic. He suffered from a handicap in his foot, which caused him to limp. He also developed a problem with his right eye, causing it to droop. Coming from a large family of 11 and these disabilities combined, Mackintosh struggled to fit in at school. He was encouraged by others to spend time in the peaceful countryside, which then developed his love of nature and flora. Antonio Gaudi i Cornet, born in Reus, Catalonia, Spain in 1852, was an architect with an eclectic, original and individual style, forever leaving his mark on the city of Barcelona. Like Mackintosh, he had a difficult early life due to poor health. He suffered from rheumatism, a disorder that affects the joints and connective tissues of the body. It is thought that this could lead to him becoming a reserved character, much like Mackintos...... middle of paper ......ng his organic work in a calm and peaceful setting with majestic views of Barcelona. His magnum opus, the Sagrada Familia, still remains unfinished, with an expected completion date of 2026. However, its cultural significance doesn't stop people from lining up to see the structure. Many consider it a living prayer to Jesus, God and the Christian faith. This is why it is appreciated not only for its architectural supremacy, but also for its dedication to religion. The salamander at the entrance to Park Güell is, I believe, Gaudi's most famous motif. Both architects were important figures in the modern art movement, shaping architecture then and continuing today. Their early lives had a great impact on what became their distinctive and individual styles. The styles of Gaudi and Mackintosh are polar opposites but they both remain strong icons of their time..