Question 1

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 2

What is Art Nouveau jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Art Nouveau jewelry generally featured three main themes: flora, fauna and women. The Art Nouveau movement lasted 15 years and it reached its pinnacle in the year 1900. Art Nouveau jewelers used every “canvas” imaginable, looking beyond brooches and necklaces to belt buckles, fans, tiaras, dog collars (a type of choker necklace), pocket watches, corsages and hair combs. Multicolored gems and enamel could complete this vision better than diamonds. Enameling is most often associated with Art Nouveau jewelry, specifically plique-à-jour. Known as backless enamel, plique-à-jour allows light to come through the rear of the enamel because there is no metal backing. It creates an effect of translucence and lightness. Shop a collection of antique and vintage Art Nouveau jewelry from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

Where did Art Nouveau originate?

Accepted Answer

Art Nouveau originated in France and Great Britain, but variants materialized elsewhere. The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau was particularly influenced by the soft colors and abstract images of nature as portrayed in Japanese art prints, which arrived in large numbers in the West after open trade was forced upon Japan in the 1860s. Impressionist artists were moved by the artistic tradition of Japanese woodblock printmaking and other modes of art and design in the East Asian country. The Art Nouveau style quickly reached a wide audience in Europe via advertising posters, book covers, illustrations and other work by such artists as Aubrey Beardsley, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Alphonse Mucha. While all Art Nouveau designs share common formal elements, different countries and regions produced their own versions. Explore a selection of Art Nouveau furniture, jewelry and art on 1stDibs.

Question 4

Why did Art Nouveau end?

Accepted Answer

Art Nouveau ended primarily due to world events. When World War I broke out in 1914, artistic production was largely halted in order to free up materials for manufacturing equipment for the war effort. By the time the 1919 Treaty of Versailles brought about the end of the war, interest in Art Nouveau had waned. Designers and artists became interested in new forms and styles, such as Art Deco. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Art Nouveau furniture, decorative objects, jewelry and art.

Question 5

What is Art Nouveau furniture?

Accepted Answer

Art Nouveau furniture was a style of furniture that emerged at the end of the 19th century and was characterized by its complex curved lines. The curved details in the furniture were typically carved by hand and finished with lacquer. The unmistakable gloss that is associated with Art Nouveau comes from the thick coat of varnish applied to the furniture as the final step of the production process.

Question 6

What was Art Nouveau influenced by?

Accepted Answer

Art Nouveau was influenced by a few things. The soft colors and abstract images of nature seen in Japanese woodblock prints, which arrived in large numbers in the West after open trade was forced upon Japan in the 1860s, were a major source of inspiration. Also, Pre-Raphaelite art and the Arts and Crafts and Rococo styles had an influence on Art Nouveau designers. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Art Nouveau furniture and decorative objects.

Question 7

How do I identify Art Nouveau jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify Art Nouveau jewelry, first consider its overall shape and themes. Flora, fauna and female figures were the three main themes in Art Nouveau jewelry. Winged creatures, such as insects and birds, were also popular subjects. Next, examine the materials and techniques. Art Nouveau jewelers distinguished themselves from their predecessors through the use of their unorthodox materials and methods. Prior to the 20th century, artisans working with jewelry prioritized precious metals and diamonds. This was not true for Art Nouveau creators. Enameling is most often associated with Art Nouveau jewelry, specifically plique-à-jour. Known as backless enamel, plique-à-jour allows light to come through the rear of the enamel because there is no metal backing. It creates an effect of translucence and lightness. Art Nouveau jewelers also favored pearls, particularly baroque pearls, for their large size and irregular shape. However, opal was the most popular stone, and Art Nouveau jewelry was primarily set in yellow gold. If you need more help identifying your jewelry, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can assist you. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Art Nouveau jewelry.

Question 8

What materials were used in Art Nouveau?

Accepted Answer

The Art Nouveau design movement used such materials as cast iron and steel, ceramic and glass. This style of architecture, design, art and jewelry was characterized by its use of long, sinuous lines that are reflected in nature.

Question 9

Is stained glass Art Nouveau?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some stained glass is Art Nouveau. It was during this period that Louis Comfort Tiffany produced his famed stained glass windows and decorative objects. However, the tradition of producing stained glass traces all the way back to the Gothic period. You'll find a selection of stained glass on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What did Alphonse Mucha do for Art Nouveau?

Accepted Answer

Alphonse Mucha was a Czech painter who is one of the originators of the Art Nouveau style. His style of painting and design rose in popularity in 1895 and he produced many works, including illustrations, posters and jewelry designs. Find a variety of Alphonso Mucha art and prints on 1stDibs.

Question 11

Who started the Art Nouveau movement?

Accepted Answer

No one person created the Art Nouveau movement. However, the term debuted in an 1884 article in the L'Art Moderne journal, describing the work of a collective of artists known as Les XX. As a result, some people credit the group and its founding members, James Ensor and Théo van Rysselberghe, as helping to define the movement. However, Art Nouveau was heavily informed by work that came before, including Rococo design, Pre-Raphaelite art, Japanese art and the Arts and Crafts movement. Beyond Les XX, a number of creators helped to propel the movement. Among them were Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Louis Majorelle, Émile Gallé, Antoni Gaudí and Tiffany Studios. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Art Nouveau furniture and decorative objects.

Question 12

How do you identify Art Nouveau furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify Art Nouveau furniture, first try to locate a maker's mark on the piece. You can then use it to research the maker with the help of information published in trusted online resources. Some makers, such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Louis Majorelle and Émile Gallé, are well-known for their Art Nouveau furnishings. If you determine that a maker identified with Art Nouveau produced your piece, it likely reflects the movement's characteristics, especially if it was made during the late 19th or early 20th centuries. You can also look for common features of Art Nouveau furniture, such as sinuous, organic and flowing lines; forms that mimic flowers and plant life; decorative inlays and ornate carvings of natural-world motifs such as insects and animals and the use of hardwoods such as oak, mahogany and rosewood. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can aid you with the identification process. Shop a diverse assortment of Art Nouveau furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Art Nouveau Deco

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Glass

Inusual Vase D argental (France) , Year, 1900, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Glass

Vase D argental (France) , Year, 1900, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Table Lamp, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, Year: 1900, French

Mid-20th Century Austrian Art Deco Western European Rugs

Doris Leslie Blau Vintage Viennese Art Nouveau Rug

Vintage 1910s German Art Nouveau Wine Coolers

Cup, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, German, 1910, Sign: WMF

Mid-20th Century French Art Nouveau Paintings

Pair of brown Lacquer on Wood Panels Art Nouveau Floral Japanese Style .

Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Glass

Vase Daum Nancy with enamel, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, France

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Glass

Vase in glass souffle, Sign: Galle, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty

Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Glass

Amaizing Vase, Daum Nancy, France, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1910

Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Max Blondat, French Art Nouveau Gilt Bronze Timepiece, 1914

Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Glass

Vase With applications, Sign: Daum Nancy France, Style: Art Nouveau, 1910

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Glass

Vase Sign: Daum Nancy, France, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1905

Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Glass

Monumental Vase, Sign: Daum Nancy France, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, 1910

Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Glass

Monumental Vase, Sign: Daum Nancy France, ( Cherry blossoms) Style: Art Nouveau

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Glass

Vase, Sign: Daum Nancy, France, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1903

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Glass

Vase, Sign: Daum Nancy, France, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1904

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Glass

Vase, Sign: Daum Nancy, France, 1903, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Glass

Vase, Sign: Daum Nancy, France, 1900, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty

Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Glass

Vase, Sign: Daum Nancy France, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1910

1920s Art Deco More Art

Gabriel Argy-Rousseau"Eagles" footed cup, 1922

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Busts

F. Goldscheider - large woman bust Polychrome Terracotta - Art Nouveau signed

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Franz Peleschka Art deco bronze

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Art Nouveau Limoges Enamel Locket Pendant Maiden Hand Painted Necklace Antique

Vintage 1920s French Art Nouveau Glass

Vase ( Chardons plant ) Sign: Le Verre Francais France, Style: Art Nouveau, 1924

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Centerpieces

Centerpiece, Sign Gallia, in Silver Plated, Art Nouveau, Liberty, France, 1900

Vintage 1940s German Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Art Nouveau Pair of Sconces in Brass, 1940s, Germany

Vintage 1920s French Art Nouveau Glass

Butterfly table lamp Sign: Le Verre Francais France, 1923, Style: Art Nouveau

Vintage 1920s French Art Nouveau Flush Mount

Antique Art Nouveau and Art Glass Ceiling Light with Grape Leaf Design

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Chain Necklaces

Antique Art Deco Modernist Silver Necklace

Vintage 1920s French Art Nouveau Glass

Vase Sign: Le Verre Francais ( Laurier /Laurel plant ) 1924, Style: Art Nouveau

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Important Pair of Wrought Iron Wall Sconces by Degué, Art Deco, France, 1930 s

Antique 1890s German Art Nouveau Jewelry Boxes

Pair of Box, Germany, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1890, Sign: WMF

Antique Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Centerpieces

The gods of the sea Sculpture, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1900

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Bradley Hubbard Antique Art Nouveau Slag Glass Table Lamp, Circa 1910

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Glass

Vase , Italian, 1925, Art Deco

Antique Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Table Mirrors

Mirror Sign, WMF, Year, 1910, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, German

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Pedestals and Columns

Column, Art Deco, 1920, French

Vintage 1930s Portuguese Art Deco Sideboards

Portuguese Art Nouveau Sideboard, Bark Wood, Etched Glass, 1930s Furniture

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Natural Specimens

Tree with Flowers Sculpture, 1900, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, France

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Beds and Bed Frames

Gabriel Argy-Rousseau
"Eagles" footed cup, 1922