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

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 3

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 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

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 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 9

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 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 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 12

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 13

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 14

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 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

Antique 19th Century British Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

Exceptional Arts Crafts Movement Hammered Copper Coal Bucket (Scuttle) with Li

Antique Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Porcelain

Art Nouveau Children Group Girl With Child , T. Eichler, Meissen Germany, 1905

Antique 1890s Dutch Art Nouveau Vases

Pair of Art Nouveau Dutch Gouda PZH Hand-Painted Ceramic Vases, ‘Violetta’, 1899

Antique 19th Century English Art Nouveau Bookcases

Antique English Victorian Art Nouveau Oak Breakfront Bookcase Display Cabinet

Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Chandeliers and Pendants

French Daum Nancy 1910 Art Nouveau Chandelier / Pendant light A2 Cameo Floral

Antique Late 19th Century English Art Nouveau Planters and Jardinieres

Archibald Knox for Liberty’s Pair of Art Nouveau Glazed Pedestal Urns

Early 20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

Handcrafted Painted Wooden Lidded Bowl in Art Nouveau Folk Style, Denmark, 1930s

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Table Lamps

WAS Benson Art Nouveau Lamp

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Glass

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

Vintage 1910s German Art Nouveau Porcelain

Art Nouveau Group Mother With Child , by Paul Helmig, Meissen Germany, ca 1912

Vintage 1910s Unknown Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

Antique Art Nouveau Copper Lidded Pot Large Bowl Container Jugendstil

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Shelves

Unique Art Nouveau / Jugendstil Oakwood Open Shelf Etagere, Sideboard, Buffet

Early 20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Vases

1915 Small Danish Art Nouveau Vase or Bowl by P. Ipsens Enke

Vintage 1910s German Art Nouveau Porcelain

Meissen Germany Art Nouveau Figurine Girl With Shawl, by Theodor Eichler, c 1913

1930s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Averil BurleighCaerulea - British Art Deco c1935 watercolour and ink figurative painting, Circa 1935

Antique Early 1900s Danish Art Nouveau Vases

20th century Early Art Nouveau Pewter Beaker by Mogens Ballin, Denmark, c. 1900

Early 20th Century Unknown Vases

Rare Riessner and Kessel Amphora Ceramic Art Nouveau Pottery Basket

Vintage 1980s American Books

Art Nouveau Architecture by Frank Russell

Vintage 1920s American Art Nouveau Desks

French Art Nouveau Style Tiger Oak Dressing Desk, Sculpted Cabriole Legs Heart

Vintage 1910s German Art Nouveau Porcelain

Meissen Art Nouveau Figure Of A Snake Dancer By Max Bochmann Circa 1914

2010s Indian Arts and Crafts Indian Rugs

Rug Kilim’s Art Nouveau Style Custom Rug Design with Green Geometric Pattern

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Sterling Silver

Large Viennese Austria Silver Art Nouveau Tray by Würbel Czokally, Around 1900

Antique Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Porcelain

Art Nouveau Group Capture Of A Nymph , by Paul Helmig, Meissen Germany, Ca 1902

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

1930s Danish Art Nouveau Handcrafted Owl Bowl - Ash Tray by P. Ipsens Enke

Vintage 1910s English Art Nouveau Table Lamps

WAS Benson Art Nouveau Lamp

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

French Art Nouveau Pate Verre Chandelier / Pendant by Degué

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

1930s Danish Art Nouveau Handcrafted Owl Bowl - Ash Tray by P. Ipsens Enke

Antique Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Vases

Art Nouveau Monkfish Vase by Algot Eriksson Waldemar Lindst for Rörstrand

Early 20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Vases

1900 s Danish Thorvald Bindesboell Three Art Nouveau Vases by P. Ipsens Enke

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Nouveau Lounge Chairs

Danish Art Nouveau Lounge Chair in Oak and Papercord, 1930s.

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Nouveau Lounge Chairs

Danish Art Nouveau Lounge Chair in Oak and Papercord, 1930s.

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Vases

Large Amphora Art Nouveau Handled Vase Attributed to Paul Dachsel

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Retro Bracelets

Art Nouveau Murrle Bennett Art Nouveau 9 Karat Yellow Gold Amethyst Bracelet

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Patio and Garden Furniture

Antique Large Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Art Nouveau Gazebo or Garden Gloriette

Vintage 1920s French Art Nouveau Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

1920s French Art Nouveau Silvered Metal Vide-Poche Reclining Woman

20th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

Art Nouveau Period Ringlever Fireplace Log Grate, Early 20th Century

Antique Late 19th Century Arts and Crafts More Mirrors

Country Made Art Nouveau Style Folk Art Copper Mirror

Antique Late 19th Century Persian Sarouk Farahan Persian Rugs

Antique Persian Farahan Rug

Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Lanterns

Early 1900 Large Arts Crafts Wrought Iron Lantern / Pendant with Stained Glass

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Vases

Averil Burleigh
Caerulea - British Art Deco c1935 watercolour and ink figurative painting, Circa 1935