Question 1

What was the arts and crafts movement?

Accepted Answer

The Arts and Crafts Movement was an era of design that originated in England during the last quarter of the 19th century. The movement celebrated traditional craftsmanship by way of simple forms and the use of romantic, medieval or folk styles of decoration.

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

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 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

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 7

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 8

How do you identify Arts and Crafts furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify Arts and Crafts furniture, look for characteristics that are hallmarks of the style. The Arts and Crafts movement began as a reaction to mass production, highlighting craftsmanship, raw materials and simple design. Makers working in this style placed an emphasis on natural motifs and adorned their pieces with simple flourishes like mosaics and carvings. This work is characterized by plain construction that showcases the hand of the artisan. Arts and Crafts furniture was often built from sturdy woods like oak and mahogany while featuring details such as inlaid metal, tooled leather and ceramic tiles. The style in the United States was led by Gustav Stickley, whose clean-lined chairs and benches showcased the grain of the wood, and furniture maker Charles Rohlfs, who was informed by international influences like East Asian and French Art Nouveau design. If you need help identifying the style of your furniture, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can be of assistance. Find a diverse assortment of Arts and Crafts furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 9

How do I identify Arts and Crafts furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify Arts and Crafts furniture, first see if you can locate a maker's mark on your piece. By researching any marks using trusted online resources, you can determine who produced your piece and find out if the maker was linked with the Arts and Crafts movement. Some notable makers associated with the style include William Morris and Philip Webb. If you can't find a maker's mark, examine the details of your piece. The Arts and Crafts movement began as a reaction to mass production, highlighting craftsmanship, raw materials and simple design. Due to its handcrafted origins, Arts and Crafts furniture often displays tool marks and slight variations in carvings and details. Pieces so regular that they seem machine-made are less likely to be Arts and Crafts furniture. Other common characteristics of Arts and Crafts pieces include inlaid and carved details and natural wood materials with visible grains. Chairs often feature reclining or angled backs and armrests. If you'd like assistance determining whether a particular piece is Arts and Crafts, consider consulting a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a range of Arts and Crafts furniture.

Question 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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.

Arts And Crafts Art Nouveau

Early 20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

1920 s Hand-Crafted Danish Art Nouveau Pekingese Dog Ash Tray / Bowl

Antique Late 19th Century Danish Arts and Crafts Desks and Writing Tables

1890-1910 Oak Writing Table, Arts Crafts, Norway / Denmark

Early 20th Century Scottish Arts and Crafts Chandeliers and Pendants

Chandelier Arts and Crafts In Style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, 1883

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Sets

Heintz Arts Crafts Sterling Silver on Bronze Notepad Holder With Pen Rest

Antique 1870s English Arts and Crafts Tables

Table Arts and Crafts, 1870, Material: Iron, English

Antique Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Coat Racks and Stands

ANTiQUE 1900 ARTS CRAFTS SHAPLAND AND PETTER HALL COAT GLOVE UMBRELLA STAND

Vintage 1920s American Arts and Crafts Vases

Rookwood Pottery Arts Crafts Glazed Ceramic Vase, 1928

Vintage 1930s American Arts and Crafts Vases

Rookwood Pottery Arts Crafts Glazed Ceramic Vase, 1930

Vintage 1920s American Arts and Crafts Vases

Rookwood Pottery Arts Crafts Glazed Ceramic Vase, 1922

Vintage 1920s Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

1920s Danish Hand-Crafted Art Nouveau Ash Tray / Bowl by P. Ipsens Enke

Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Chandeliers and Pendants

WAS Benson Art And Crafts Chandelier

Antique Early 1900s Scottish Arts and Crafts Coat Racks and Stands

Coat rack in wood , 1900, Arts and Crafts, Attributed to Wylie and Lochhead

Vintage 1930s American Arts and Crafts Vases

Rookwood Pottery Arts Crafts Glazed Ceramic Vases, 1930

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Sets

Heintz Arts Crafts Sterling Silver on Bronze Blotter Corners With Leather Pad

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Sets

Heintz Arts Crafts Sterling Silver on Bronze Blotter Corners With Leather Pad

Antique 1870s Danish Art Nouveau Vases

1900 s Two Danish Hand-Crafted Art Nouveau Vases by P. Ipsens Enke

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

American Arts And Crafts Finely Painted Pyrography Dutch Scene By Harry Ungar

Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Chandeliers and Pendants

Top Quality and Design Wrought Iron Arts and Crafts Chandelier with Glass Shades

Early 20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

1920 s Danish Hand-crafted Art Nouveau Match and Ash Tray by for P. Ipsens Enke

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Umbrella Stands

Wonderfuf Arts Crafts Cane and Umbrella Stand w. Embossed Peacock Sculptures

Early 20th Century British Arts and Crafts Chandeliers and Pendants

Arts Crafts pendant light fitting with vaseline glass shade

Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Vases

Early 20th c. English Royal Doulton Arts and Crafts Lambeth Stoneware Vase

Vintage 1920s Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

1920s Danish Hand-Crafted Art Nouveau Seal Ash Tray / Bowl by P. Ipsens Enke

Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

Set of Arts Crafts Brass Fireside Tools

Early 20th Century European Chairs

Set of 8 chairs and 2 armchairs in chestnut wood - Arts Crafts to Art Nouveau

Mid-20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Platters and Serveware

1920´s Hand-crafted Art Nouveau Grape Decorated Platter by P. Ipsens Enke

Antique Early 1900s Danish Art Nouveau Vases

1900s Two Karen Hagen Hand-Crafted Danish Art Nouveau Vases by P. Ipsens Enke

Vintage 1920s Danish Art Nouveau Vases

1920 s Hand-Crafted Danish Art Nouveau Parrot Decorated Vase by P. Ipsens Enke

Early 20th Century Austrian Arts and Crafts Vases

Amphora Arts Crafts Woman with Geese and Trees "Brittany Farmers" Pottery Vase

Vintage 1910s Swedish Arts and Crafts Vases

Arts and Craft Yellow Flower Vase in Irregular Shape by Hilma Persson Hjelm

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Chandeliers and Pendants

Rare Arts Crafts Patinated Bronze Uranium (Vaseline) Glass Pendant / Lantern

Vintage 1920s Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

1930s Danish Hand-Crafted Art Nouveau Polecat Ash Tray / Bowl by P. Ipsens Enke

Early 20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

Danish Hand-Crafted Art Nouveau Ash Tray / Bowl by Georg Jensen for Ipsens Enke

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Vases

Arts Crafts Chinese-Form Ceramic Vase, ca. 1900

Vintage 1920s Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

1920 s Hand-Crafted Danish Art Nouveau Ash Tray / Bowl by P. Ipsens Enke

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Figurative Sculptures

Jugendstil Austrian Bronze Oriental Woman with Bowl Sculpture by Franz Bergmann

Vintage 1920s Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

1920 s Hand-Crafted Danish Art Nouveau Ash Tray / Bowl by P. Ipsens Enke

Early 20th Century Northern Irish Arts and Crafts Western European Rugs

Doris Leslie Blau Arts and Crafts Donegal Rug by C.F.A. Voysey

Antique Late 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Wardrobes and Armoires

c. 1880 Arts Crafts 3-Section Cabinet by Edwards Sons

Early 20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

Eva L. Stephey (1894 - 1978)
Antique Art Nouveau "Swan Amongst Lillies" Framed Landscape Oil Painting, 1935

Ludwig von Hofmann
Female Nude from the Back, around 1900 / - The contour of the Art Nouveau -, c. 1900