Q: What is the history of Art Deco?

The history of Art Deco begins in the early 20th century.Art Deco emerged as a global design style around the start of World War I, during the last years of Art Nouveau's popularity. The style conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. Its hallmarks include the use of geometric designs influenced by Cubism. Major discoveries of Egyptian tombs during the era also influenced the movement.The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition, the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, held in Paris in 1925. After World War II, tastes shifted toward more functional, less ornate modernism, but today, the Art Deco style is still favored for its luxurious sophistication. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of vintage Art Deco furniture.

Question 1

Who are some of the most famous Art Deco artists?

Accepted Answer

There are many famous Art Deco artists. In addition, the movement produced many well-known designers and architects. Some of the most notable creatives who contributed to the Art Deco movement include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, René Lalique, Eileen Gray, Jean Dunand, Donald Deskey and Jean Perzel. Explore a wide range of Art Deco furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is the history of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The history of Art Deco begins in the early 20th century.

Art Deco emerged as a global design style around the start of World War I, during the last years of Art Nouveau's popularity. The style conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. Its hallmarks include the use of geometric designs influenced by Cubism. Major discoveries of Egyptian tombs during the era also influenced the movement.

The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition, the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, held in Paris in 1925. After World War II, tastes shifted toward more functional, less ornate modernism, but today, the Art Deco style is still favored for its luxurious sophistication. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of vintage Art Deco furniture.

Question 3

What defines Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

A few things define Art Deco. Date is one factor, as the style emerged in the 1920s and remained popular during the 1930s. Art Deco design usually includes bold geometric lines and forms or intricate repeating floral motifs. Designers working in this style tended to use expensive materials, such as shagreen or marble, as well as exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Furniture often featured metal accents, mirrored finishes and embellishments made from exotic animal hides and inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. Shop a wide range of Art Deco furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is an Art Deco lamp?

Accepted Answer

An Art Deco lamp is any lamp that’s made in the styles of the Art Deco movement, which was dominant in the 1920s and 1930s. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of Art Deco lamps from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 5

What is art deco ring?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco rings were made during the early 20th century. Named for a design movement that originated at a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925, Art Deco rings are generally quite geometric, symmetrical and incorporate a variety of gemstones — especially sapphires and emeralds. Find a wide variety of Art Deco rings for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 6

When did Art Deco originate?

Accepted Answer

The Art Deco period originated in France. Its name comes from the title of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925, credited with introducing the style to the world. It was informed by ancient Egypt, Cubism, Futurism, Louis XVI, De Stijl, modernism and the Vienna Secession and went on to influence the Streamline Moderne and mid-century modern movements. Shop a wide range of Art Deco furniture, decorative objects and jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What was Art Deco influenced by?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco was influenced by a number of things. The discovery of ancient tombs around the turn of the century led to a renewed interest in Egyptian furniture and architecture that inspired Art Deco designers. Art Deco was also informed by Cubism, Futurism, Louis XVI style, De Stijl, modernism and the Vienna Secession. Shop a large collection of Art Deco furniture, decorative objects and jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 8

How do I identify Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

To identify Art Deco, look for the characteristics of the period. Furniture produced at the time is generally lacquered metal with a mirror-like glossy finish. Wooden items should be an exotic wood. Most items feature symmetrical designs, and geometric forms were popular motifs during the period. In addition, Art Deco often shows the influence of Hellenistic, Egyptian and Asian designs. Shop a variety of Art Deco furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is an art deco watch?

Accepted Answer

An art deco watch is defined by its geometric case, which is either circular or rectangular. The watch style was highly popular between 1920 and 1950, and is still sought after today. You’ll find a collection of art deco watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs

Question 10

What is art deco jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco jewelry was popular during the design movement of the 1920s and 30s. Art Deco jewelry is typically characterized by geometric patterns and gemstones of contrasting colors.

Question 11

What was the Art Deco movement?

Accepted Answer

The Art Deco movement was a decorative style popular during the 1920s and ’30s. Few design styles are as universally recognized and appreciated as Art Deco. The term alone conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. The iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design, celebrating society's growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship. Widely known designers associated with the Art Deco style include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Maurice Dufrêne, Paul Follot and Jules Leleu. The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Art Deco furniture and decorative objects.

Question 12

What is the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco is that the former is detailed and ornate, and the latter is sharp and geometrical. When the movement started at the end of the 19th century, Art Nouveau was heavily influenced by nature and the curved lines of flowers. Art Deco, which became popular in the beginning of the 20th century, was inspired by the geometric abstraction of cubism.

Question 13

What is the difference between Art Deco and MCM?

Accepted Answer

The difference between Art Deco and mid-century modern (MCM) is that the terms describe two distinct design styles. Art Deco typically refers to pieces produced between the 1920s and 1930s. Furniture produced in this style tends to display bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs, metal accents, shimmering mirrored finishes and embellishments made from exotic animal hides, inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. MCM, or mid-century modern, emerged after World War II. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. Designers working in this style frequently used industrial materials, including steel, fiberglass, molded plywood, and alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak. Explore a wide variety of Art Deco and mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 14

Was Eileen Gray Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The answer to whether Eileen Gray's designs were Art Deco depends on which piece you're considering. Gray was ever-evolving as a designer. By the early 1920s, she was creating geometric works that embodied the essence of Art Deco and the nascent modernist design movement. Some pieces, like her Bricks screen, employ the planar forms favored by Gerrit Rietveld and other De Stijl architects of the Netherlands. Others feature the tubular chrome framing used by Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who are associated with the mid-century modern design style. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Eileen Gray furniture.

Question 15

What are the main features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The main features of Art Deco are geometry-influenced shapes, bright color schemes and bold patterns. Art Deco architecture and design are both heavily influenced by the Cubism movement, which relied on the use of non-traditional angles and shapes.

Question 16

What are the key features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco features bold geometric designs, clean lines and vibrant colors.

Question 17

What is Art Deco style furniture?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco style furniture appeared right before the start of World War I and is defined by sharp lines, vibrant colors and bold patterns. Heavily influenced by geometry, Art Deco furniture was born out of the Cubism movement.

Question 18

How do I identify Art Deco furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify Art Deco furniture, first look for maker's markings in inconspicuous areas. Once you've found them, use trusted online resources to research the manufacturer and determine whether they were active during the Art Deco era, which spanned from the 1920s through the 1930s. You can also look for classic characteristics of Art Deco furniture, such as bold geometric lines and forms, intricate floral motifs, metal accents, mirrored finishes and fine materials such as shagreen, marble, mahogany wood, zebra wood, ebony, exotic animal hides, onyx and mother-of-pearl. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can also assist you with making identifications. Shop a collection of Art Deco furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 19

Is Art Deco jewelry valuable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some Art Deco jewelry is valuable. Jewelry from the 1920s and ’30s has remained consistently popular. It experienced a major revival in the 1960s, and even today, jewelry makers continue to be inspired by the period. As a result, demand for Art Deco jewelry is typically high, but the actual value of a piece depends on its style, maker, age and condition. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can help you determine how much your jewelry is worth. Explore a large selection of Art Deco jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What are Art Deco engagement rings?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco engagement rings are accessories that were produced during the 1920s and '30s and are characterized by details associated with the Art Deco style. They're often very colorful and feature bold geometric lines as well as gemstones cut in nontraditional ways. While the style got its name from an arts exhibition in Paris in 1925, Art Deco was inspired by Cubism and a shift from Art Nouveau's floral aesthetic. The modern look of Art Deco engagement rings reflects an evolution in fashion, visual art and more, as well as the sweeping societal changes taking hold at the time. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage Art Deco engagement rings.

Art Deco Artists

2010s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Jorge Ruiz-MartinezMid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Female Figure Latin Artist Signed, 2019

2010s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Jorge Ruiz-MartinezMid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Female Figure Latin Artist Signed, 2021

2010s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Jorge Ruiz-Martinez1500 Fashion Art Deco Minimalism Black White Female Figure Latin Artist Signed, 2021

2010s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Jorge Ruiz-MartinezMid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Japan Geisha Latin Artist Signed, 2021

1940s Figurative Prints

Nura Ulreich Sylvia , Woman Artist, Art Student s League, Salon D Automne, Art Deco, Paris, 1943

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Brass Lucite Large Wall Lamps Style Jean Perzel, France 1970

1940s Art Deco Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Christopher SandersNude - British Art Deco drawing reclining erotic female nude portrait RA artist, circa 1940

1940s Figurative Prints

Nura Ulreich Greta Grace , Leapfrog, Modernism, Woman Artist, Art Deco, Smithsonian, Paris, 1943

Antique Early 1900s Italian Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Ceramic Art Deco Woman Artist Pattarino

1930s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Nura Ulreich After School , Art Deco, Woman Artist, AIC, ASL, Paris, Salon d Automne, PAFA, Circa 1935

1920s Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Edouard Garcia BenitoArt Deco Woman before a Mirror - Vogue Magazine Artist

20th Century Art Deco Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Erte - Romain de TirtoffOriginal Art Deco tea cup design by 20th Century Russian / American artist Erte

1940s Figurative Prints

Nura Ulreich Christopher , Art Deco Lithograph, Woman Artist, Salon d Automne, Paris, AIC, 1943

20th Century Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Charles GirArt Deco pastel drawings of ballerinas on point by French artist Charles Gir

2010s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Corne AkkersRoundism â€“ 13-02-18, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Paper, 2018

Early 20th Century Art Deco Animal Paintings

Alfonso T ToranArt Deco Painting titled "Swimming Swans", c. Late 1930s

1930s Prints and Multiples

Vera HirzelArt Deco travel poster by Swiss artist Vera Hirzel - Lausanne - Ouchy, Suisse, Circa 1935

20th Century French Art Deco Paintings

Art Deco Female Nude by Louis Süe Et André Mare

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Vases

Vintage Art Deco Vase Probably by WMF in Style of Claudius Linossier, 1920-1930

1930s Figurative Prints

Nura Ulreich Anabel Millicent , Art Deco, Woman Artist, AIC, ASL, Paris, Salon d Automne, Circa 1935

1940s Figurative Prints

Nura Ulreich Angel and Harmony , Art Deco Lithograph, Woman Artist, Salon d Automne, Paris, 1943

1940s Figurative Prints

Nura Ulreich Judy Jessica , Art Deco Lithograph, Woman Artist, Salon d Automne, Paris, AIC, 1943

1980s Art Deco More Art

Giancarlo ImpigliaDinner for Two, Art Deco Tapestry by Giancarlo Impiglia, circa 1985

1940s Modern Still-life Paintings

Tosca Olinsky Still Life with Guitar , Art Deco Woman Artist, National Academy of Design, ASL, 1941

1930s Prints and Multiples

Jean CarluCirca 1930 Art Deco poster by the renowned French graphic artist Jean Carlu, Circa 1930

1930s Prints and Multiples

Willy Mucha1934 Art Deco poster for "Ouistreham Riva Bella" by the artist Willy Mucha, 1934

1990s Art Deco Portrait Paintings

Gilbert PauliThe artist, 1995

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Pottery

Art Deco Ceramic Manufactures Boulogne Artist Andre Fau

1940s Art Deco Figurative Paintings

The Artists Studio, 1947

1940s Figurative Prints

Nura Ulreich Tom, Dick Harry , Paris, Salon d Automne, Art Deco, Woman Artist, ASL, AIC, 1943

1940s Figurative Prints

Nura Ulreich Peggy and Dot , Art Deco Sisters, Woman Artist, AIC, Paris, Salon d Automne, Circa 1943

1930s Art Deco Figurative Paintings

Antoine DerouxArtist and Muse, 1934

1930s Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Pierre Le Faguays“Danseuse Aux Cymbales”, Circa 1935

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Demetre Chiparus Art Deco Terracotta Sculpture Elephant and Baby, circa 1930

1930s Realist Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

James StroudleyPortrait of a Young Woman - 1930 s Art Deco portrait drawing British artist, 1931

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Paintings

"Pink Ostrich", Art Deco Painting, Gouache, William Hentschel, Rookwood Artist

20th Century Art Deco Figurative Prints

Georges Goursat (Sem)Rare Vintage Art Deco "White Bottoms" Lithograph Pochoir, 1927

20th Century Art Deco Figurative Prints

Georges Goursat (Sem)Rare Vintage Art Deco "White Bottoms" Lithograph Pochoir, 1927

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Posters

Original French Art Deco Period Poster by Paul Colin 1928

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Letter Openers

Jorge Ruiz-Martinez
Mid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Female Figure Latin Artist Signed, 2019

Jorge Ruiz-Martinez
Mid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Female Figure Latin Artist Signed, 2021

Jorge Ruiz-Martinez
1500 Fashion Art Deco Minimalism Black White Female Figure Latin Artist Signed, 2021

Jorge Ruiz-Martinez
Mid-Century Art Deco Minimalism Black White Japan Geisha Latin Artist Signed, 2021

Nura Ulreich
Sylvia , Woman Artist, Art Student s League, Salon D Automne, Art Deco, Paris, 1943

Christopher Sanders
Nude - British Art Deco drawing reclining erotic female nude portrait RA artist, circa 1940

Nura Ulreich
Greta Grace , Leapfrog, Modernism, Woman Artist, Art Deco, Smithsonian, Paris, 1943

Nura Ulreich
After School , Art Deco, Woman Artist, AIC, ASL, Paris, Salon d Automne, PAFA, Circa 1935

Edouard Garcia Benito
Art Deco Woman before a Mirror - Vogue Magazine Artist

Erte - Romain de Tirtoff
Original Art Deco tea cup design by 20th Century Russian / American artist Erte

Nura Ulreich
Christopher , Art Deco Lithograph, Woman Artist, Salon d Automne, Paris, AIC, 1943

Charles Gir
Art Deco pastel drawings of ballerinas on point by French artist Charles Gir

Corne Akkers
Roundism â€“ 13-02-18, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Paper, 2018

Alfonso T Toran
Art Deco Painting titled "Swimming Swans", c. Late 1930s

Vera Hirzel
Art Deco travel poster by Swiss artist Vera Hirzel - Lausanne - Ouchy, Suisse, Circa 1935

Nura Ulreich
Anabel Millicent , Art Deco, Woman Artist, AIC, ASL, Paris, Salon d Automne, Circa 1935

Nura Ulreich
Angel and Harmony , Art Deco Lithograph, Woman Artist, Salon d Automne, Paris, 1943

Nura Ulreich
Judy Jessica , Art Deco Lithograph, Woman Artist, Salon d Automne, Paris, AIC, 1943

Giancarlo Impiglia
Dinner for Two, Art Deco Tapestry by Giancarlo Impiglia, circa 1985

Tosca Olinsky
Still Life with Guitar , Art Deco Woman Artist, National Academy of Design, ASL, 1941

Jean Carlu
Circa 1930 Art Deco poster by the renowned French graphic artist Jean Carlu, Circa 1930

Willy Mucha
1934 Art Deco poster for "Ouistreham Riva Bella" by the artist Willy Mucha, 1934

Gilbert Pauli
The artist, 1995

Nura Ulreich
Tom, Dick Harry , Paris, Salon d Automne, Art Deco, Woman Artist, ASL, AIC, 1943

Nura Ulreich
Peggy and Dot , Art Deco Sisters, Woman Artist, AIC, Paris, Salon d Automne, Circa 1943

Antoine Deroux
Artist and Muse, 1934

Pierre Le Faguays
“Danseuse Aux Cymbales”, Circa 1935

James Stroudley
Portrait of a Young Woman - 1930 s Art Deco portrait drawing British artist, 1931

Georges Goursat (Sem)
Rare Vintage Art Deco "White Bottoms" Lithograph Pochoir, 1927

Georges Goursat (Sem)
Rare Vintage Art Deco "White Bottoms" Lithograph Pochoir, 1927

Christopher Sanders
Reclining Nude - British 40 s art nude female portrait Royal Academician artist, circa 1940

Francois Del Ry
Original vintage poster Tentez Votre Chance Loterie Nationale art deco litho, 1939