Question 1

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 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 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 4

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 5

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 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

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 8

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 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

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

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.

Art Nouveau Library

Antique 1890s Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Brass Art Nouveau Adjustable Library Lamp

20th Century Art Nouveau Buffets

Art Nouveau Large Buffet Showcase / Library Cabinet in Mahogany, 1910

20th Century English Art Nouveau Ladders

VINTAGE ART NOUVEAU STYLE 166 CM TALL BRASS TOPPED HARDWOOD LIBRARY STEPs

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Desks and Writing Tables

Antique Art Nouveau Carved Oak Northwind Face Desk Library Table with One Drawer

Antique 1880s English Art Nouveau Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Antique 1880 Art Nouveau Carved Fully Restored Brown Leather Library Desk Chair

Early 20th Century Spanish Table Lamps

Banker Lamp Library Rare Big Art Nouveau-Deco Style Spain Early 20th Century

Vintage 1910s Austrian Art Nouveau Vitrines

Austrian Art Nouveau Complete Library Suite

Antique Early 1900s Hungarian Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Art Nouveau Marabou Library Lamp, Austria or Hungary, 1900s

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Nouveau Vitrines

Art Nouveau Library, Oak, circa 1920

Vintage 1930s Polish Other Bookcases

Art Nouveau Library Wardrobe from the Interwar Period

Antique 1890s Swedish Other Bookcases

Art Nouveau Library

Vintage 1920s Danish Art Nouveau Bookcases

Art Nouveau Library, Scandinavia, 1920s

Antique Early 1900s Dutch Art Nouveau Bookcases

Dutch Oak Art Nouveau Library Bookcase by H. Pander & Zonen Den Haag, 1900s

Antique Early 1900s Dutch Art Nouveau Bookcases

Large Oak Art Nouveau Library Open Bookcase, 1900s

Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Center Tables

Library Table washed in green lacquer. Art Nouveau , French c.1910

Antique 19th Century Art Nouveau Tray Tables

Art Nouveau Oval Two-Tier Walnut Library or Tray Table

Antique 1890s English Art Nouveau Bookcases

Exquisitely Carved Antique Art Nouveau circa 1890 Long Open Library Bookcase

Antique Early 1900s Norwegian Art Nouveau Bookcases

Library, Northern Europe, circa 1900.

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Tiffany Studios "Library" Table Lamp

Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Bookcases

Large Carlo Bugatti Library, 19th Century

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Living Room Sets

Original French 2 Piece Leather Library Set w/Nifty Nail Design (One Chair Sold)

20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Bookcases

Early 20th Century Twisted Wood Austrian Revolving Bookcase or Reading Table

Antique Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Ladders

Art Nouveau Beech Wood Library Steps

20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Bookcases

Art Nouveau Rotating Library Table in Thonet Style

Antique Early 1900s Dutch Art Nouveau Bookcases

Oak Art Nouveau Arts & Crafts Library Bookcase by K.P.C. de Bazel, 1900s

20th Century Italian Modern Books

20th Century Jewelry Art Nouveau to Modern Coffee Table or Library Book, 1990s

Antique Early 1900s Dutch Art Nouveau Ladders

Magnificent and Rare Dutch Kerfschnitt Library Steps, 1900s

20th Century Art Nouveau Magazine Racks and Stands

Vintage Metal Book Holder for Library or Kitchen

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Bookcases

19th Century Black Painted French Library Breakfront 'Moderne' Bookcase

Antique Early 1900s Danish Art Nouveau Bergere Chairs

Pair of Danish Early 20th Century Caned Library Bergère Chair in Stained Birch

20th Century Scottish Chairs

Art Nouveau Oak Library Chair, Leather Seat, Scotland 1910, B2877

Antique 19th Century American Art Nouveau Architectural Elements

Galena Library Single Shelf

Art Nouveau Library For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much is a Art Nouveau Library?