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

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

How do I know if my ring is Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

To know if a ring is Art Deco, examine its style. The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. Makers often incorporated geometric motifs in jewelry designs. Materials may also provide a clue about the era of the piece. Platinum, rubies, sapphires and emeralds were some of the most common precious metals and gemstones used at the time. Keep in mind that there are many convincing reproductions of Art Deco rings and other high-quality pieces inspired by originals. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or expert within the field of antique jewelry design to evaluate the ring. Shop a selection of Art Deco rings on 1stDibs.

Question 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

What are the key features of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

How was Art Deco furniture made?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco furniture was largely made by hand. Crafters often employed exotic hardwood like zebra wood, rosewood and Macassar ebony. Many pieces had a polished Japanese lacquer finish, which gave a high-gloss shine to the wood. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Art Deco furniture.

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 Gouache

Vintage 1930s American Paintings

Industrial Art Deco Painting of a Coffee Urn

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Burt GroedelWoman and Bird, 1970s

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Paintings

Albert Gleizes "Great final gouache for Gospels" 1939-1941, Original Work

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Drawings

Raoul Dufy "Christmas Greetings" Gouache on Paper, Signed RD, circa 1920

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Western European Rugs

Rug, 20th Century, Art Deco Period by Edouard Benedictus

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Paintings

Mermaid Bodysuit Costume Illustration by José de Zamora

Vintage 1930s Belgian Art Deco Paintings

Stage Design By Edmond Delescluze Belgium 1930 s

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Table Lamps

Christian Berard, Lamp base with Painted Shade, 1937

Early 20th Century Art Deco Paintings

Benjamin Jorj Harris Art Deco Gouache, circa 1930s

Early 20th Century Art Deco Paintings

Benjamin Jorj Harris Art Deco Gouache, circa 1930s

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Paintings

Art Deco Gouache Painting Woman with Mirror by Louise Galand-Legendre, 1942

Vintage 1930s French Drawings

Art Deco Gouache On Paper By Erte [Romain de Tirtoff]

Vintage 1930s French Paintings

Original Art Deco Gouache On Paper By Erte [Romain de Tirtoff]

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Paintings

Original Art Deco Gouache on Paper by Erte in White Gold Custom Frame

Late 20th Century Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

ErtéLady Justice, Art Deco Gouache Painting by Erte, circa 1970

Late 20th Century Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

ErtéStatue de la Paix, Art Deco Gouache Painting by Erte, circa 1970

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

ErtéL Exposition de 1900, Paris (danseur), Art Deco Gouache Painting by Erte

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Paintings

Art Deco Gouache and Collage Painting Panther Jacques Berger 1941

20th Century Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Erte (Romain de Tirtoff)Original Art Deco gouache on paper fashion design by Russian, French artist Erte

1920s Art Deco Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Raymond BerrDesign Sketch for an Art Deco Vase, 1924

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Paintings

French Art Deco Painting Architectural Wallpaper Design, Circa 1920

1930s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

c. 1930s BBC Souvenir Programme Art Deco design gouache poster cover, c. 1930s

1930s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Marcel VertèsOriginal Art Deco Theatre Costume Illustration Katinka Gouache Painting, Drawing

1930s Art Deco Figurative Paintings

ErtéArt Deco Original Costume Design Crystal Headdress Gouache Painting signed Erté, 1930

1930s Art Deco Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Jean ChassaingOriginal Gouache for 1931 French Art Deco Poster, Josephine Baker Design/Study, 1931

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Marcel VertèsOriginal Art Deco Circus Illustration Gouache Painting, Drawing Lady with Horses

Early 20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

Hugó ScheiberRare Modernist Hungarian Rabbi Pastel Drawing Gouache Painting Judaica Art Deco, c.1930s

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Marcel VertèsLarge Art Deco Circus Illustration Gouache Painting Ballerina with Horse and Dog, c.1940 s-1950 s

20th Century Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Jean de BottonLarge French Art Deco Four Horsemen of Apocalypse Watercolor Gouache Painting, 1964

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Paintings

Art Deco French Gouache Painting

1930s Art Deco Figurative Paintings

BARBARA SHERMUNDLife Magazine Art Deco Showgirls Cartoon, 1934

1930s Art Deco Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

“Art Deco Cafe”, Circa 1930

1930s Art Deco Landscape Paintings

Arthur Rosenman Ross“Concept Buick and Plane” American Art Deco 20th Century Modernism Machine Age, 1938

1930s Art Deco Interior Paintings

Arthur (Rosenman) RossArt Deco Movie Set 20th Century American Modernism Hollywood WPA Social Realism, 1937

1930s Art Deco Prints and Multiples

R. DanslerCirca 1930 original gouache poster project for the Hôtel du Golf in Deauville, Circa 1930

Early 1900s Impressionist Still-life Paintings

American School Art Deco Flower Still Life, 1910

2010s Art Deco Abstract Paintings

Natalia RomanArt Deco Surreal Arches in Primary Tones Triptych, Pastel Skin Palette Hue Grid, 2023

1930s Art Deco Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

1930s Design Advertising Art Deco Poster Design Norwegian Cruises Blue Star Line, c. 1930s

Vintage 1940s American Drawings

"Dance, " rare Art Deco drawing with gouache by Lovet-Lorski

20th Century Art Deco Interior Drawings and Watercolors

Burt Groedel
Woman and Bird, 1970s

Erté
Lady Justice, Art Deco Gouache Painting by Erte, circa 1970

Erté
Statue de la Paix, Art Deco Gouache Painting by Erte, circa 1970

Erté
L Exposition de 1900, Paris (danseur), Art Deco Gouache Painting by Erte

Erte (Romain de Tirtoff)
Original Art Deco gouache on paper fashion design by Russian, French artist Erte

Raymond Berr
Design Sketch for an Art Deco Vase, 1924

Marcel Vertès
Original Art Deco Theatre Costume Illustration Katinka Gouache Painting, Drawing

Erté
Art Deco Original Costume Design Crystal Headdress Gouache Painting signed Erté, 1930

Jean Chassaing
Original Gouache for 1931 French Art Deco Poster, Josephine Baker Design/Study, 1931

Marcel Vertès
Original Art Deco Circus Illustration Gouache Painting, Drawing Lady with Horses

Hugó Scheiber
Rare Modernist Hungarian Rabbi Pastel Drawing Gouache Painting Judaica Art Deco, c.1930s

Marcel Vertès
Large Art Deco Circus Illustration Gouache Painting Ballerina with Horse and Dog, c.1940 s-1950 s

Jean de Botton
Large French Art Deco Four Horsemen of Apocalypse Watercolor Gouache Painting, 1964

BARBARA SHERMUND
Life Magazine Art Deco Showgirls Cartoon, 1934

Arthur Rosenman Ross
“Concept Buick and Plane” American Art Deco 20th Century Modernism Machine Age, 1938

Arthur (Rosenman) Ross
Art Deco Movie Set 20th Century American Modernism Hollywood WPA Social Realism, 1937

R. Dansler
Circa 1930 original gouache poster project for the Hôtel du Golf in Deauville, Circa 1930

Natalia Roman
Art Deco Surreal Arches in Primary Tones Triptych, Pastel Skin Palette Hue Grid, 2023

Erte - Romain de Tirtoff
Art Deco set design by Erte, Romain de Tirtoff, signed

Florence Henri
American Cubist Abstract Art Deco Avant-Garde Constructivism 20th Century Modern, 1926

Arthur (Rosenman) Ross
Art Deco Buick Car 1937 Design Mid-20th Century American Modern Illustration, 1937

Natalia Roman
Pastel Art Deco Flora, Abstract Geometric Landscape, Soft Pink, Purple, Bauhaus, 2023

Natalia Roman
Art Deco Trophy, Pastel Tones Geometric Painting on Black Background, Triangles, 2021

Natalia Roman
Complementary Art Deco Tiles, Soft Pink and Turquoise Bauhaus Checkers Pattern, 2022

Natalia Roman
Fifties Art-Deco Nightclub, Black, Red Diagonal Grid, Bauhaus Geometric Pattern, 2022

Georges Lepape
Permissionaire - Original Gouache by Georges Lepape - 1919, 1919

Natalia Roman
Art Deco Coral Revival, Pastel Green and Coral, Squared Geometric Painting, 2022, 2022

Natalia Roman
Modernist Dusk, Bauhaus Painting in Mauve and Burnt Orange, Art Deco Geometry, 2022

Arthur (Rosenman) Ross
Airacuda Fighter Planes Art Deco Machine Age 20th Century American Modernism, 1938

E Corvin-Pearson
Early 20th Century Cubist, Art Deco Homage a Matisse House and Garden, 1928

Duncan Carmalt
Asian Delight, 1930

Erté
DESIGN FOR FABRIC #7346, 1937

Erté
UNTITLED (ORIGINAL GOUCHE), circa 1950s

Erté
GERMAINE (ORIGINAL GOUCHE), circa 1950s