Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 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

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.

Dutch Art Nouveau

Antique 1890s Dutch Art Nouveau Table Mirrors

Venus and Cupid Art Nouveau Mirror, 1900 C&K Tiel of Holland

Antique Early 1900s Dutch Art Nouveau Vases

South Holland, Gouda. Antique and unique Art Nouveau vase in glazed ceramic.

Vintage 1910s Dutch Art Nouveau Vases

Regina, Holland, Antique Art Nouveau Vase with Hand-Painted Flowers and Foliage

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

Dutch Oak Art Nouveau Arts Crafts Coat Rack, 1900s

Antique Early 1900s Dutch Arts and Crafts Corner Chairs

Two Oak Dutch Arts Crafts Art Nouveau Corner Chairs, 1900s

Early 20th Century Unknown Vases

Hand Painted Dutch Style Art Nouveau Vase Pot in Blue and Turquoise

Antique Early 1900s Dutch Arts and Crafts Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

Dutch Oak and Brass Art Nouveau Arts Crafts Fireplace Tools with Stand, 1900s

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Vases

Yellow and Black Floral Dutch Gouda Art Nouveau Regina Pottery Ceramic Pot Vase

Antique Early 1900s Dutch Art Nouveau Ladders

Magnificent and Rare Dutch Kerfschnitt Library Steps, 1900s

Antique Early 1900s Dutch Art Nouveau Vases

Dutch Eggshell Porcelain Vase by Rozenburg

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Tobacco Accessories

Dutch NV Goedewaagens Boxed Miniature Clay Pipe Promotional Samples

Early 20th Century Dutch Table Lamps

Gouda Holland pottery lamp, 1918

1920s Symbolist Figurative Prints

Jan Toorop"Allen de Christus kan alles redden" Religious Symbolist Christian Postcard, 1922

Late 20th Century Persian Rococo Persian Rugs

Vintage Persian Tabriz Rug with French Rococo Style

Early 20th Century Turkish Regency Turkish Rugs

Antique Turkish Sparta Rug with Venetian Regency Style

Late 20th Century Indian Baroque Indian Rugs

Vintage Indian Rug with Versace Baroque Style

Antique Early 1900s Dutch Art Nouveau Gueridon

Dutch Art Nouveau Inlaid High Pedestal Table / Pot Stand, 1900s

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Patio and Garden Furniture

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Garden Set, circa 1900-1910

Early 20th Century Dutch Platters and Serveware

FINE DUTCH ART NOUVEAU PERIOD PORCELAIN PLATE BY ROZENBURG

Early 20th Century Dutch Platters and Serveware

Dutch Art Nouveau Ivora Gouda Oval Tray

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Clocks

Dutch Art Nouveau, Hand-Painted Clock by Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland, Gouda

Vintage 1920s Dutch Art Nouveau Dining Room Tables

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Dining Table, from circa 1920s

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Ceramics

Art Nouveau Carduus Tile Plateau with Peacocks for De Distel, Amsterdam

Antique 19th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Ceramics

Extremely Large and Rare Art Nouveau Vase By Brantjes, Faience De Purmerende

Early 1900s Art Nouveau More Prints

Jan Thorn PrikkerOriginal Art Nouveau exhibition poster: Dutch Indies (Indonesia) Art Exhibition, 1906

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Planters and Jardinieres

Art Nouveau Brass Jardinere

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Vases

Art Nouveau Vase With Floral Motifs, Fayence And Tile Factory holland (J.W. Mijnlieff)

Late 20th Century Scottish Art Nouveau Sterling Silver

Art Nouveau Style Scottish Silver Caddy Spoon, Edinburgh, 1989

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Sterling Silver

Early 20th Century Dutch Sterling Silver Bread Basket in Art Nouveau Style

Early 20th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Doors and Gates

Rare Early 20th Century Dutch Brons Art Nouveau Door Grille in a Oak Door

Antique 1890s Dutch Art Nouveau Ceramics

Art Nouveau Plate by Theo Colenbrander for Plateelbakkerij Rozenburg, 1890

Antique Early 1900s Dutch Art Nouveau Screens and Room Dividers

Coromandel Art Nouveau Fire Screen with Gilt Leather Panel by Theo Nieuwenhuis

Vintage 1920s French Art Nouveau Dining Room Tables

French Art Nouveau Oak Dining Farm Table by Mathieu Gallerey, circa 1920

Antique Late 19th Century Dutch Art Nouveau More Furniture and Collectibles

Dutch Art Nouveau Vase Cloisonne Enamel Design on Brass of Iris Blooms

Early 1900s Art Nouveau More Prints

Jan Thorn PrikkerOriginal Dutch Art Nouveau exhibition poster: Hollandische Kunstausstellung, 1903

Antique Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Art Nouveau wax sign of bronze, Dutch boy, signed Berk. 1900 - 1920

Vintage 1910s English Art Nouveau Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Royal Doulton "Dutch Harlem" Jardiniere

Mid-20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Sugar Spoon Made for the Dutch Airline KLM

Dutch Art Nouveau For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much is a Dutch Art Nouveau?

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Jan Toorop
"Allen de Christus kan alles redden" Religious Symbolist Christian Postcard, 1922

Jan Thorn Prikker
Original Art Nouveau exhibition poster: Dutch Indies (Indonesia) Art Exhibition, 1906

Jan Thorn Prikker
Original Dutch Art Nouveau exhibition poster: Hollandische Kunstausstellung, 1903