NEW YORK — Jean Prouvé (1901-1984) grew up steeped in the ideals of the Nancy School in France during the height of the Art Nouveau period. The designers and artists who worked there circa 1890-1914 shared the belief of creating art that could be accessed by all. With his background in metalworking and architecture — he taught himself both skills — Prouvé is renowned for having an industrial approach to design and manufacturing technology that let him create furniture that was both artful and affordable.