Where did Art Nouveau originate?

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.

Why did Art Nouveau end?

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.

What is Art Nouveau furniture?

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.

What was Art Nouveau influenced by?

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.

What is the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco?

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.

How do I identify Art Nouveau jewelry?

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.

What did Alphonse Mucha do for Art Nouveau?

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.

Who started the Art Nouveau movement?

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.

Is stained glass Art Nouveau?

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.

What materials were used in Art Nouveau?

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.

How do you identify Art Nouveau furniture?

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.

Art Nouveau Griffin

Griffin Dragon Pendant Necklace Art Nouveau Antique Jugendstil Art Glass 1900

Located in New York, NY

THIS IS A STUNNING ANTIQUE GRIFFIN OR DRAGON ART NOUVEAU BEAUX ARTS RENAISSANCE REVIVAL PENDANT

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Griffin Dragon Pendant Necklace Art Nouveau Antique Jugendstil Art Glass 1900

$2,500

H 3 in W 3 in L 20 in

Late 19th Century Majolica Pond Lily Footed Compote

By Griffin, Smith Hill

Located in Ross, CA

attributed to Griffin, Smith & Hill in the late 19th / early 20th century.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Art Nouveau Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Late 19th Century Majolica Pond Lily Footed Compote

$600

H 2.7 in Dm 9.8 in

Crown Doulton Lambeth Floral Painted Trumpet Vase With Griffins

By Doulton Lambeth

Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire

An unusual Crown Lambeth Ware floral painted trumpet shaped vase mounted with mythical Griffin like

Category

Antique 1890s English Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Stoneware

Crown Doulton Lambeth Floral Painted Trumpet Vase With Griffins

$412

H 8.27 in Dm 5.52 in

Set of 2 cast iron Griffin table lamps, Netherlands 1920s

Located in ECHT, NL

Set of 2 antique lanterns. They are made from cast iron and depict a griffin. They most likely came

Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Iron

Set of 2 cast iron Griffin table lamps, Netherlands 1920s

$1,594 Sale Price / set

20% Off

H 9.45 in W 4.73 in D 5.91 in

Recent Sales

Antique Art Nouveau Griffin Pendant Brooch French 18K Gold Diamonds

Located in Woodland Hills, CA

This is a beautiful French Griffin brooch with amazing detail. The brooch has lopes for a chain and

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Griffin Pendant Brooch French 18K Gold Diamonds

Tycoon s Gold Hummingbird Inkwell on MOP Shell Base-19th c.with Provenance

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Nouveau, a Griffin Neoclassic, Chrome Arts and Crafts) available as a collection to Adorn a desktop

Category

Antique 19th Century Neoclassical Inkwells

Tycoon s Gold Hummingbird Inkwell on MOP Shell Base-19th c.with Provenance

H 6.25 in Dm 6.25 in

Art Nouveau Griffin Brooch

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Art Nouveau Diamond & Gold Griffin Brooch, Circa 1905 A beautiful patina accentuates intricate

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Griffin Brooch

Art Nouveau Griffin Pin

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Displaying power and magesty this outsanding representation of the mythical creature has beautiful detail and a rich patina, watch hook on the reverse.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Griffin Pin

Art Nouveau Griffin Cuff Links

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Art Nouveau 18 Karat Gold And Diamond Griffin Cuff Links The matching open work circular designs

Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Cufflinks

Art Nouveau Griffin Cuff Links

Gaston Lafitte 1890 French Art Nouveau Griffin Brooch in 18kt Gold with Pearl

Located in Miami, FL

An art nouveau Griffin brooch designed by Gaston Lafitte. An incredible piece of art created

Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Gaston Lafitte 1890 French Art Nouveau Griffin Brooch in 18kt Gold with Pearl

W 1.47 in L 1.51 in

Gorgeous Antique Enamel Diamond Gold Griffin Brooch

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This graceful Art Nouveau griffin decorated with blue enamel is very unusual. Notice the fine

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Brooches

Art Nouveau French Griffin Yellow Gold Diamond Stickpin

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Art Nouveau French Griffin 18k yellow gold diamond stickpin, circa 1905. 5/8” long by 5/8” plus

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau French Griffin Yellow Gold Diamond Stickpin

W 6.35 in L 0.625 in

Art Nouveau Chimera Griffin Dragon Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Pin Brooch

Located in London, GB

This stunning brooch is from the Art Nouveau era. It features a chimera / griffin holding a diamond

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Nouveau Chimera Griffin Dragon Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Pin Brooch

H 34.56 in L 44.17 in

Blank Co. Art Nouveau Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Griffin Stickpin

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Designed as a highly rendered griffin with lion head and furling wings With scrolling body curled

Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Blank Co. Art Nouveau Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Griffin Stickpin

L 2.38 in

Original Antique Poster Litografia Carreras Lithography Griffin Lily Flower Art

Located in London, GB

Original antique advertising poster for Litografia Carreras Lithography in the flowing Art Nouveau

Category

Antique Early 1900s Spanish Art Nouveau Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Poster Litografia Carreras Lithography Griffin Lily Flower Art

H 20.87 in W 12.21 in D 0.04 in

Griffin Pendant Brooch by Hedges

By A. J. Hedges Co.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Heirloom Griffin Pendant Brooch by A. J. Hedges Circa 1900, the antique heraldic beast engulfed

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold

Located in London, GB

Original antique advertising poster for Litografia Carreras Lithography in the flowing Art Nouveau

Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau More Prints

Materials

Paper

F Cuixart
Original Antique Poster Litografia Carreras Lithography Griffin Lily Flower Art, 1900s

H 20.87 in W 12.21 in

Pair of French Bronze Art Nouveau Winged Griffin Wall Sconces

Located in San Francisco, CA

impeccably restored Art Deco, Art Nouveau and other table lamps, chandeliers, and wall sconces awaiting you

Category

20th Century French Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair of French Bronze Art Nouveau Winged Griffin Wall Sconces

H 7 in W NaN in D NaN in

Magnificent Emerald Gold Griffin Brooch

Located in Agoura Hills, CA

Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the brooch features a three diamensional griffin holding an emerald in

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Magnificent Emerald Gold Griffin Brooch

H 1.66 in W 1.86 in D 0.56 in

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By Arval Argenti Valenza

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20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Picture Frame

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Triple Mini Spot Pendent

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$600 / item

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Richard LE CORRONE at CIBOURE Large Greek Stoneware Vase, Early 1950s

By Ciboure, Richard Le Corrone

Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR

Large stoneware vase by Richard Le Corrone at Ciboure, France, early 1950s. High technical quality rotating Greek decor. The stylized rotating scenery depicts Artemis and Apollo hunt...

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Richard LE CORRONE at CIBOURE Large Greek Stoneware Vase, Early 1950s

$5,000

H 11.03 in Dm 9.45 in

Italian Art Nouveau wood and brown fabric screen with floral pattern, late 1800s

Located in MIlano, IT

Italian Art Nouveau wood and brown fabric screen with floral pattern, late 1800s Folding screen with wooden structure, composed of three adjustable panels. The structure is finely ca...

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Antique 1890s Italian Art Nouveau Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

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Italian Art Nouveau wood and brown fabric screen with floral pattern, late 1800s

$1,070

H 57.88 in W 57.09 in D 1.97 in

WAS Benson Art And Crafts Chandelier

By Was Benson

Located in NANTES, FR

Art nouveau chandelier circa 1900. Brass and copper frame with 5 branches. 5 opalescent glass tulips by James Powel. Stamped 2 times "Benson". Electrified and in perfect condition. ...

Category

Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Copper

WAS Benson Art And Crafts Chandelier

$17,848

H 28.35 in Dm 23.63 in

Art Nouveau Jugendstil Brass and Enamel Large Vase with Handles

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Rare large sculptural brass vase with handles is decorated with enameled dark blue, green, and white abstract Art Deco or Jugendstil style design with Arts and Crafts influence on li...

Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Brass, Enamel, Metal

Art Nouveau Jugendstil Brass and Enamel Large Vase with Handles

$575

H 11.5 in Dm 6.75 in

Generous Jean Gerbino For Vallauris, France, Ceramic Glazed Mosaic Ball Vase

By Jean Gerbino

Located in Rothley, Leicestershire

Jean Gerbino for Vallauris, France, ceramic glazed blue, green and terracotta banded mosaic ball vase Gerbino uses the Neriage technique to attain such intriguing patterns A genero...

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Generous Jean Gerbino For Vallauris, France, Ceramic Glazed Mosaic Ball Vase

$852

H 5 in Dm 5.5 in

Matching Pair of Tented Milk and Acorn Frosted Glass Pendents

Located in Peekskill, NY

This is a very interesting and matching pair of lamps. They are priced and sold as a pair. The 15 inch diameter smooth outer shade is milk glass and has a graceful swiping profile. T...

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Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Milk Glass

Matching Pair of Tented Milk and Acorn Frosted Glass Pendents

$2,200 / set

H 12 in Dm 15 in

Quezal Art Nouveau Lamp

By Quezal

Located in NANTES, FR

Art nouveau lamp circa 1910. Brass and copper base. Iridescent glass tulip signed Quezal. In perfect condition and electrified. Total height: 38.5 cm Base diameter: 15.5 cm Width: 3...

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Quezal Art Nouveau Lamp

$3,328

H 15.16 in Dm 6.11 in

Late 19th Century Faux Royal Vienna Art Nouveau Vases

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

A pair of Art Nouveau vases, faux-Royal Vienna. decorated with romantic transfer print reserves. Made in Austria, c.1895-1910. 10 1/2" h., 4 1/2" over handles. We have been a majo...

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Late 19th Century Faux Royal Vienna Art Nouveau Vases

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"Hercules at Rest", Rare Art Deco Porcelain with Male Nude by Bregnoe

By Jens Jacob Bregnö, Dahl Jensen

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"Hercules at Rest", Rare Art Deco Porcelain with Male Nude by Bregnoe

$4,500

H 10 in W 10 in D 3 in

Italian Mid-Century Wooden and Green Velvet Armchair with Sculptural Armrest

By Carlo Enrico Rava

Located in Varese, Lombardia

This beautiful armchair was produced in Italy, circa 1950s. It is made from a sculptural wooden structure with a green velvet upholstery. Its Classic and elegant style resembles cont...

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Italian Mid-Century Wooden and Green Velvet Armchair with Sculptural Armrest

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Art Nouveau Bat Inkwell by Unknown French Artist

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Little is known about the origins of this amazing piece, apart from it being from France, circa 1900. Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, ...

Category

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Art Nouveau Bat Inkwell by Unknown French Artist

$4,900

H 3.5 in W 11.5 in D 5 in

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Art Nouveau Griffin For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact art nouveau griffin you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. You’re likely to find the perfect art nouveau griffin among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Finding an appealing art nouveau griffin — no matter the origin — is easy, but A. J. Hedges Co. each produced a popular version that is worth a look. An art nouveau griffin of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 7, is particularly popular. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes old european cut and old mine cut alternatives. Most of our art nouveau griffin for sale are for women, but there are 16 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Art Nouveau Griffin?

Prices for an art nouveau griffin can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $500 and can go as high as $4,500, while this accessory, on average, fetches $1,975.

A Close Look at Art-nouveau Jewelry

Art Nouveau — generally considered to have begun in the late 1800s and ended with the start of World War I — was a movement in the decorative arts that drew inspiration from natural forms, such as trees, flowers and, of course, the human figure. The three main themes present in Art Nouveau jewelry and watches were flora, fauna and women.

Art Nouveau, which reached its pinnacle in the year 1900, spawned from artists who rejected the historicism of their predecessors to create an entirely new visual vocabulary. As compared to Art Deco jewelry’s geometric patterns and sharp lines, the extravagant style of antique Art Nouveau jewelry is characterized by curvilinear forms and whiplash lines, vibrant materials and dramatic imagery.

The first art and design movement of the 20th century, Art Nouveau was also a reaction against the Industrial Revolution, and took its inspiration from the theories of the Symbolists, the art of the Pre-Raphaelites, the ideas of John Ruskin and his follower William Morris and, most importantly Japanese crafts. (The country was a fertile ground for inspiration after it was opened to the West in 1854.) The Art Nouveau style touched all manners of the arts, including the most exultant jewelry.

Nature was a favorite muse for artists going back to the 18th and 19th centuries, but in the hands of 20th-century artists, it was depicted in new ways. For example, a withering flower was considered just as beautiful as one in full bloom. Winged creatures, such as insects and birds, were also a popular subject. Dragonflies and butterflies were particular favorites because they morphed so dramatically in different life stages.

This was also a reference to women, whose role in society was evolving. It was not uncommon to see a piece of jewelry that would at once reference a woman as a winged creature (think René Lalique’s famous Dragonfly brooch, circa 1897–98, at the Gulbenkian Collection in Lisbon). However, just as women’s roles were ambiguous, so was their image, as the femmes nouvelle were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized.

In addition to Lalique, vital figures in Art Nouveau jewelry included Louis Comfort Tiffany in the United States, Vladimir Soloviev, who designed jewelry for Peter Carl Fabergé in Russia, Fuset Grau of Spain, Karl Rothmuller of Germany and Philippe Wolfers of Belgium.

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. Jewelers also favored pearls, particularly baroque pearls, for their large size and irregular shape. However, opal was the most popular stone — its iridescence harmonized perfectly with the enamel, and it could be carved into any shape. Art Nouveau jewelry was primarily set in yellow gold.

Find a range of antique Art Nouveau jewelry today on 1stDibs.

Questions About Art Nouveau Griffin

Where did Art Nouveau originate?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
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.
What is Art Nouveau jewelry?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
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.
Why did Art Nouveau end?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
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.
What is Art Nouveau furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
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.
What was Art Nouveau influenced by?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
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.
What is the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
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.
How do I identify Art Nouveau jewelry?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
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.
What did Alphonse Mucha do for Art Nouveau?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.
Who started the Art Nouveau movement?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
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.
Is stained glass Art Nouveau?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.
What materials were used in Art Nouveau?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
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.
How do you identify Art Nouveau furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
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.

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