Question 1

What is unique about Salvador Dalí art?

Accepted Answer

What is unique about Salvador Dalí art is its dreamlike imagery, drawn from the depths of the unconscious. He used hyperrealism to convey Surrealist symbols and concepts that subvert accepted notions of reality. You can see this clearly reflected in what is perhaps his most recognizable painting, The Persistence of Memory (1931), in which he depicts the fluidity of time through melting clocks, their forms inspired by Camembert cheese melting in the sun. Although the scene is one of fantasy, Dalí rendered each object in a manner that makes the elements look as lifelike and realistic as possible rather than abstracting their forms. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of Salvador Dalí art.

Question 2

What was unique about Robert Rauschenberg's art?

Accepted Answer

What was unique about Robert Rauschenberg's art was that it incorporated everyday objects and straddled the line between painting and sculpture. The American artist is best known for the complex assemblages of found objects he termed “combines.” Rauschenberg was drawn to the visual landscape of popular culture and mined its imagery for inspiration. Early in his career during the 1950s, he used unorthodox materials like house paint and tried novel techniques in his studio, like running paper over with a car after inking its wheels. In the 1960s, Rauschenberg turned his attention to silkscreening, creating prints that feature iconic figures of the day, very much in line with the style and content of Pop art. One such work, 1965's CORE, which was created to commemorate the Congress of Racial Equality, combines photographs of President Kennedy, an unidentified Native American man and a statue of a Civil War soldier with images of highways, amusement parks, street signs and other features of the built environment. Throughout the 1960s and ’70s, Rauschenberg experimented with printing on unusual materials, such as Plexiglas, clothing and aluminum. Shop a range of Robert Rauschenberg art on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What makes KAWS’s art unique?

Accepted Answer

What makes KAWS’s art unique is the artist's innovative approach to his work. The American artist seamlessly blends elements of Pop art, street art and popular culture into his pieces. He is known for putting a creative spin on familiar characters and his playful figurines, which often feature double-X eyes. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of art by KAWS.

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

How was Art Deco furniture made?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco furniture was largely made by hand. Crafters often employed exotic hardwood like zebra wood, rosewood and Macassar ebony. Many pieces had a polished Japanese lacquer finish, which gave a high-gloss shine to the wood. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Art Deco furniture.

Question 6

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 7

How do I identify Art Deco furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify Art Deco furniture, first look for maker's markings in inconspicuous areas. Once you've found them, use trusted online resources to research the manufacturer and determine whether they were active during the Art Deco era, which spanned from the 1920s through the 1930s. You can also look for classic characteristics of Art Deco furniture, such as bold geometric lines and forms, intricate floral motifs, metal accents, mirrored finishes and fine materials such as shagreen, marble, mahogany wood, zebra wood, ebony, exotic animal hides, onyx and mother-of-pearl. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can also assist you with making identifications. Shop a collection of Art Deco furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is Art Deco style furniture?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco style furniture appeared right before the start of World War I and is defined by sharp lines, vibrant colors and bold patterns. Heavily influenced by geometry, Art Deco furniture was born out of the Cubism movement.

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 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 11

What are the main features of Art Deco furniture?

Accepted Answer

The main features of Art Deco furniture are bold geometric lines and forms, and an integration of expensive materials such as shagreen or marble as well as exotic woods such as mahogany, ebony and zebra wood.

The Art Deco era made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, and while the period yielded a range of stylistically diverse furnishings, interiors and objects, collectors will typically find the period’s desks, tables and chairs embellished with metal accents, animal hides, ivory or mother-of-pearl inlays and shimmering mirrored finishes.

Widely known designers associated with the Art Deco style include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Maurice Dufrêne, Paul Follot and Jules Leleu. The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. “Art Deco design” is often used broadly, to describe the work of creators in associated or ancillary styles. This is particularly true of American Art Deco, which is also called Streamline Moderne or Machine Age design. (Streamline Moderne, sometimes known as Art Moderne, was a phenomenon largely of the 1930s, post–Art Nouveau.)

Shop a collection of Art Deco furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What does Art Deco furniture look like?

Accepted Answer

What Art Deco furniture looks like can vary from piece to piece, but there are some characteristics that help define the style. During the 1920s and ’30s, manufacturers often created furniture with bold geometric lines and forms as well as intricate floral motifs. Materials tended to be luxurious and included shagreen and marble as well as exotic woods such as mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Many pieces feature luxe details like gleaming metal accents, shimmering mirrored finishes and embellishments made from exotic animal hide and inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. Explore a wide range of Art Deco furniture on 1stDibs.

Unique Art Furniture

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Toys and Dolls

Lil Abner Dogpatch Band Tin Litho Windup Unique Art Co.

20th Century American Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Unique Art Glass & Metal Company Leaded Glass Peony Table Lamp C. 1915

2010s Indonesian Country Furniture

Root Sculpture on an Iron Stand

2010s Austrian Other Furniture

Coffee Table from Lychee Wood with Black Iron Legs

2010s Indonesian Other Furniture

Coffee Table from Sonokiling Root

2010s Indonesian Country Furniture

Couchtisch Teakholz with Legs Made of Black Steel

Antique 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Antiquities

Large Unique Sieve, Swedish Folk Art, 1800s

2010s Austrian Other Furniture

Old Eroded Wood with an Iron Stick a Table Top Made of Mango Wood

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Art Glass Studio "Van Tetterode" in Amsterdam Wall Lamp, 1950s

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Unique Cast Iron Wall Art

21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Art Deco Dining Room Tables

Luxury Furniture, Unique Piece, Handmade, Art, Dining Table, Cabinet Making

Antique Late 19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Antique 1890s Pair of Plains Beaded Moccasins, Unique Red Glass Trade Beads

2010s Indonesian Country Sculptures and Carvings

Old Eroded Wood Sculpture on an Iron Stand

Antique 1880s British Folk Art Nautical Objects

19th Century Unique Folk Art Guernsey Shell Diorama Display

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Decorative Art

Life Size Unique Pop Art Wall Sculpture

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Contemporary Art

Large Unique Art Basel Mixed-Media Pop Art Wall Sculpture

Vintage 1920s French Folk Art Outsider and Self Taught Art

Antique Wooden Sewing Box Tramp Art Folk Art Unique Piece 1928

Vintage 1980s Italian Classical Greek Decorative Art

Unique Decorative Art Tile, Roger Capron, Italy c. 1980

Vintage 1980s Italian Classical Greek Decorative Art

Unique Decorative Art Tile, Roger Capron, Italy c. 1980

Vintage 1980s Italian Classical Greek Decorative Art

Unique Decorative Art Tile, Roger Capron, Italy c. 1980

Vintage 1980s Italian Other Decorative Art

Unique Decorative Art Tile, Roger Capron, Italy c. 1980

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Unique Art Work in Inlaid Wood Veneer, Czechoslovakia, 1950s

Antique Early 19th Century American Paintings

George Washington Praying At Valley Forge, Unique Historical Art Signed 19thc

Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Gilbert Portanier Unique Art Blue Pottery Plate Signed 1981

Early 20th Century Dutch Folk Art Antiquities

Antique & Unique Early 1900s Dutch Folk Art Scale Model Windmill w. Light Inside

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Gilbert Portanier Unique Art Grey Pottery Plate Signed 1977

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Gilbert Portanier Unique Art Yellow Pottery Plate Signed - 1982 - Vallauris

Vintage 1980s French Expressionist Decorative Art

unique french gilbert portanier ceramic WALL PLATE art ceramic vallauris

Antique Early 1900s Hungarian Vienna Secession Antiquities

Unique automatic coffee roaster

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Art Deco More Carpets

Striking and Unique Falling Squares Blue Cowhide Area Floor Rug Small

2010s Contemporary Art

Unique Work, Kokian

2010s Contemporary Art

Unique work. - KOKIAN

2010s Contemporary Art

Unique Work, Kokian

2010s Contemporary Art

Unique work. - KOKIAN

2010s Contemporary Art

Unique work. - KOKIAN

Late 20th Century Chinese Prints

"Seaside & Mountains IV" Gray and White Landscape Unique Work of Art

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Art Deco More Carpets

Striking and unique Falling Squares Verde Cowhide Area Floor Rug Small

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Art Deco More Carpets

Striking and Unique Falling Squares Pink Cowhide Area Floor Rug Small

Late 20th Century Modern Paperweights

Unique Vintage Art Glass

Early 20th Century Unknown Industrial More Folk Art