In its sinuous lines and flamboyant curves inspired by the natural world, antique Art Nouveau furniture reflects a desire for freedom from the stuffy social and artistic strictures of the Victorian era. The Art Nouveau movement developed in the decorative arts in France and Britain in the early 1880s and quickly became a dominant aesthetic style in Western Europe and the United States.
ORIGINS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN
ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ANTIQUE ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Art Nouveau — which spanned furniture, architecture, jewelry and graphic design — can be easily identified by its lush, flowing forms suggested by flowers and plants, as well as the lissome tendrils of sea life. Although Art Deco and Art Nouveau were both in the forefront of turn-of-the-20th-century design, they are very different styles — Art Deco is marked by bold, geometric shapes while Art Nouveau incorporates dreamlike, floral motifs. The latter’s signature motif is the "whiplash" curve — a deep, narrow, dynamic parabola that appears as an element in everything from chair arms to cabinetry and mirror frames.
The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau was particularly influenced by the soft colors and abstract images of nature seen 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 Japonisme — a term used to describe the appetite for Japanese art and culture in Europe at the time — greatly informed Art Nouveau.
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 variants.
In Scotland, the architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh developed a singular, restrained look based on scale rather than ornament; a style best known from his narrow chairs with exceedingly tall backs, designed for Glasgow tea rooms. Meanwhile in France, Hector Guimard — whose iconic 1896 entry arches for the Paris Metro are still in use — and Louis Majorelle produced chairs, desks, bed frames and cabinets with sweeping lines and rich veneers.
The Art Nouveau movement was known as Jugendstil ("Youth Style") in Germany, and in Austria the designers of the Vienna Secession group — notably Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann and Joseph Maria Olbrich — produced a relatively austere iteration of the Art Nouveau style, which mixed curving and geometric elements.
Art Nouveau revitalized all of the applied arts. Ceramists such as Ernest Chaplet and Edmond Lachenal created new forms covered in novel and rediscovered glazes that produced thick, foam-like finishes. Bold vases, bowls and lighting designs in acid-etched and marquetry cameo glass by Émile Gallé and the Daum Freres appeared in France, while in New York the glass workshop-cum-laboratory of Louis Comfort Tiffany — the core of what eventually became a multimedia decorative-arts manufactory called Tiffany Studios — brought out buoyant pieces in opalescent favrile glass.
Jewelry design was revolutionized, as settings, for the first time, were emphasized as much as, or more than, gemstones. A favorite Art Nouveau jewelry motif was insects (think of Tiffany, in his famed Dragonflies glass lampshade).
Like a mayfly, Art Nouveau was short-lived. The sensuous, languorous style fell out of favor early in the 20th century, deemed perhaps too light and insubstantial for European tastes in the aftermath of World War I. But as the designs on 1stDibs demonstrate, Art Nouveau retains its power to fascinate and seduce.
There are ways to tastefully integrate a touch of Art Nouveau into even the most modern interior — browse an extraordinary collection of original antique Art Nouveau furniture on 1stDibs, which includes decorative objects, seating, tables, garden elements and more.
Antique Germany Cutlery Pocket Knife Nuremberg Beer Scene 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
We are pleased to offer a charming early 20th-century souvenir pocket knife produced as an advertising piece for the historic Jacob Kann Company of Nuremberg, Germany. Once a well-kn...
Metal, Brass
French 19th Century Glass Dome with Brass Decoration
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
Popular in the 19th century, domed glass displays offered protection for portico clocks and flora & fauna specimens without compromising visibility. Inside this cloche is an oval...
Silver, Brass
Antique National Cash Register Company Art Nouveau Mechanical Cash Register
Located in Milano, IT
Antique National Cash Register Company Art Nouveau Mechanical Cash Register Description A fascinating mechanical cash register manufactured by the renowned National Cash Register C...
Brass, Cast Iron
Colmont Ft Paris Mother of Pearl French Opera Glasses With Leather Case, 1890s
Located in South Bend, IN
A stunning set of opera or theatre glasses in original leather case. By Colmont FT Paris France, Circa 1890s Gorgeous Mother-of-pearl and abalone inset on brass cylindrical body w...
Brass
Original Documented Otto Wagner's Private Belonging Dining Room Chandelier
Located in Vienna, AT
Chandelier for the private dining room in Otto Wagners famous "Erste Villa Wagner," Hüttelbergstrasse, Vienna similar to the crown-rim of the Romanic and Gothic period (see also Jarm...
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century Sterling on Bronze Yacht Trophy – The Duane Cup, 1914
Located in Northport, MI
A striking sterling-on-bronze presentation trophy, awarded as The Duane Cup in 1914 by the historic Annisquam Yacht Club (est. 1898, Gloucester, Massachusetts). This two-handled lov...
Sterling Silver, Bronze
Antique Pocket Knife Nuremberg Water Fountain & Castle Scene 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
We are pleased to offer a charming early 20th-century souvenir pocket knife produced as an Souvenir of Nuremberg, Germany.. This vintage pocket knife features a relief of the famous ...
Metal
Viking Soldier Decorative Bronze Statue Sculpture, Vienna Austria 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous classic decorative Statue or Miniature Sculpture. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of a kind of metal, we think it's bronze or brass. Very decorativ...
Metal
Gorgeous Munich Child Souvenir Pewter Catchall Bowl Antique German, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A Historical Souvenir plate plaque from Munich, Germany. Made of Pewter showing the well known Munich Child. Everyone knows this historical Figure from ...
Pewter
19th Century English Baroque Revival Brass Perpetual Desk Calendar
Located in Chicago, IL
19th Century English Gilt Brass Perpetual Desk Calendar in the Victorian Baroque Revival Style. The sculptural case, with its scrolling foliage, masks, and cresting, frames three vie...
Brass
Romanoff Arms of the Russian Empire Embassy or Consulate Painted Sign
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Early Embassy or Consulate painted sign. Sign says Legation Imperiale de Russie, this sign was used from 1850 to 1917, it is very rare to find these things with the Russian Empire Ca...
Tin
Antique Souvenir Pocket Knife unknown City View Scene 1900s Corkscrew & Blades
Located in Nuernberg, DE
We are pleased to offer a charming early 20th-century souvenir pocket knife produced as an Souvenir of a City in Germany. This vintage pocket knife features a relief of Church and a ...
Metal
MASONIC 1890 Art-Nouveau Enameled Vesta Matches Box In Repousse .925 Sterling
Located in Miami, FL
An antique vesta box with enameled Masonic motifs. This is an amazing and rare vesta matches box, created in America with Masonic motifs, back in the 1890-95. The vesta box has been...
Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Majolica Wall Decoration Plate by Johann Maresch, Austria, circa 1900
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This offer is for one of our rare Majolica items, an exceptional wall plate by Johann Maresch from the beginning of the 20th century. The beautiful worked Majolica plate shows Rhine. Like every J. Maresch items the artist took great value...
Majolica
Pair Cherub Decorative Bronze Metal Head Bust Statues Sculptures, Belgium, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A pair of classic decorative Bust statues. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of a kind of metal, we think its gilded bronze. Very decorative and nice to display...
Metal
12 Antique Art Nouveau Bronze NCR Employee Medals Medallions Awards
Located in Dayton, OH
Lot of 12 rare antique employee recognition / appreciation bronze medals / medallions / plaques / coins. Designs include: Two from Casa Pratt, Brasil for "Service All Year Round" - C...
Metal
Pair Noble Man Decorative Metal Head Bust Statues Sculptures, Belgium 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A pair of classic decorative Bust statues. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of a kind of metal, we think it's brass, socket nickel plated. Very decorative and ...
Metal
$195Sale Price|20% Off
Berger's Germania-Cacao Storage Tin, Art Nouveau, Germany, 1900-1930
Located in Oirlo, LI
Discover the charm of times gone by with this authentic Berger's Germania-Cacao storage tin. A unique piece of history, dating from the period 1900-1930, that is not only a beautifu...
Tin
Antique Large Tiled Advertising Panel for Codorniu Cava, 1930s
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
This large advertising panel for Codorniu cava was designed during the 1930s and it clearly symbolises Art Nouveau design. It consists of 20cm by 20c...
Ceramic
Antique European Military or Chivalric Decoration Depicting Saint George
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Antique European Military or Chivalric Decoration Depicting Saint George Striking antique European military or chivalric decoration featuring a finely rendered gilt-metal relief of ...
Enamel
Art Nouveau Christmas tree stand, 1910's.
Located in Praha, CZ
Beautiful cast iron Christmas tree stand with rich decor Decorative pattern with floral motif A stylish addition to any interior With aged patina Original condition
Iron
Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands, 1898 Inauguration Commemorative Plates
Located in Sharon, CT
Offering four hand-painted Wilhelmina, “1890-1948” Inauguration plates, manufactured in 1898 by Petrus Regout & Co., Maastricht, Holland.
Ceramic
Metal Roe Deer Wall Decoration Plate Vintage, German, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful wall decoration item from Germany. Made of metal showing some roe deer’s in a landscape. This is a nice addition to every room.
Metal
Collection of British Silver, Objects for Necessaire, Early 1900s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Collection of British silver, objects for necessaire, early 1900s. Stamped. Measures: 18.5 cm. (longest) In very good condition, minor wear.
Antique Michiels chocolate tray - 1905 - 75 years of Belgian independence
Located in Bilzen, BE
Antique advertising tray - advertising sign for Michiels Belgian chocolate, which was located in Brussels, Belgium. This Art Nouveau lithographic metal tray was designed as a commemorative plaque - memorial for the 75th anniversary of Belgian independence, depicting the retreat of the Dutch Hussars. (1830 - 1905). The attack on the park by the Flanders Gate volunteers. This antique tin tray...
Metal
$11,373Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century Automathic Piano-Pianola from France
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
20th Century Luché "ELCE" mechanical piano, France. Roller and crank in perfect working condition.
Wood
$34,120Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Advertising Tile Poster from Codorniu's Cellar, Spain
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
Art Nouveau advertising tile poster from Codorniu Cellar, Spain Ceramic tiles measurements: 15x15 cm (6x6 in). Codorníu is synonymous to th...
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Flacon in Mother of Pearl Scent Gilt Pendent, France
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming Mother of Pearl chatelaine perfume scent or snuff bottle. Very intricate details including a butterfly on the base. Wonderful piece to add to a collection of these desirable...
Brass
$4,501
H 6.7 in Dm 12.21 in
Otto Wagner Ceiling Light for the Vienna Metropolitan Railways Around 1900
By Otto Wagner
Located in Wien, Au
As the most important Austrian urban planner of the time, Otto Wagner was commissioned with the planning and construction of the Vienna metropolitan railway system, which he implemen...
Brass
Antique Brown Leather Riding Boots with Trees, 1890s Austria
By Rudolf Scheer & Söhne
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
A pair of exquisite decorative brown leather riding boots made by Austrian Imperial shoemaker Scheer - Purveyor of the imperial and royal court of the Austrian and Hungarian empire. ...
Leather
$8,002Sale Price|65% Off
H 44.89 in W 54.34 in D 20.87 in
19th Century Pleyel French Upright Piano Hand Painted Decoration and Fluted Legs
By Pleyel
Located in Sofia, BG
This rare upright piano was made by Pleyel in France in September 1871 according to the Pleyel Archives found at Musée de la Musique. The natural wood cabinet is beautifully decorated with hand painted floral garlands. The piano sides are square and it has fluted, columnar legs resting on original castors. The instrument...
Brass
$450
H 5.25 in W 3.25 in D 1 in
19th Century French Brass & Champleve Cross with Holy Water Font on Green Marble
Located in Dallas, TX
This colorful marble and brass cross with holy water recipient was created in France, circa 1880. The antique cross features beautiful, intricate cloisonné work with enamel, stone an...
Multi-gemstone, Marble, Brass
Antique National Cashier Register With the Key
Located in Brea, CA
Antique national cashier register R313 with a key , the drawer can open , there is a key , it is a beautiful piece .
Brass
$3,900
H 4.5 in Dm 8 in
Otto Wagner Jugendstil "Viennese Tramway" Wall or Ceiling Light, ONE Available
By Otto Wagner
Located in North Miami, FL
These small sized lights have been rewired for USA. Wall or ceiling light with opaline glass, pictured in brass, designed for the Viennese trams. We are selling them individually in ...
Brass
$280
H 6.25 in W 4.38 in D 0.5 in
Beautiful Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique European, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Handmade Religious Ex-Voto A striking and delicately crafted religious Ex-Voto, sourced from an estate sale in Parma, Italy. The piece appears to be made from thin, lightw...
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
$616Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.06 in W 3.15 in D 1.19 in
19th Century French Copper and Brass Military Powder Flask
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very original 19th century French copper and brass military powder flask patented by Boche in Paris (signature on the plug and also on the base). The top of the plug is made with h...
Brass, Copper
$2,363
H 36.23 in Dm 16.93 in
God Lamp / Church Chandelier Brass Early 20th Century Sanctuary Lamp Art Nouveau
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
God's Lamp/Church Chandelier brass early 20th century Sanctuary lamp Art Nouveau style Beautiful authentic brass Church chandelier/God's lam...
Brass
19th Century Carved Wood Santos with Gilt Decoration
Located in Buchanan, MI
19th century carved wood Santos with gilt decoration.
Gold Leaf
$699
H 1.5 in W 8.75 in D 1.75 in
Antique French Lorgnette Binoculars or Opera Glasses in Brass & Mother of Pearl
By LeRoy
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of antique lorgnette opera glasses were made by LeRoy of France in approximately 1880 in the period Victorian style. These bi...
Brass
Important Russian Imperial Photo Album, Gilt Bronze, Onyx, 1907
Located in Benalmadena, ES
This exquisite antique photo album, dating from 1907, is a historically significant piece from the Russian Imperial era. The cover is crafted from gilt bronze with a prominent centra...
Onyx, Bronze
Sold
H 3.55 in W 14.18 in D 4.34 in
Italian box set and antique theater set with gloves and binoculars
Located in Milano, IT
A true gem from the early 20th century, symbolizing grace and refinement: this precious Italian theater set in unmistakable Art Nouveau style, dating back to the early 1900s, is a ce...
Metal, Brass
Art Nouveau Glass Paperweight with Floral Silver Overlay, c. 1910s
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant paperweight from the early 20th century is expertly crafted of cut glass and floral silver overlay in the manner of Art Nouveau. The translucent glass cube is shaped wit...
Silver
Early 20th Century Advertising Poster by Leonetto Cappiello
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
Early 20th Century Advertising Poster by Leonetto Cappiello for Spanish mineral water: "Vilajuiga" ad, 1910 Leonetto Cappiello (9 April 1875 – 2 February 1942) was an Italian and French poster art designer and painter, who mainly lived and worked in Paris. He is now often called 'the father of modern...
Paper
Sold
H 59.06 in W 39.77 in D 0.4 in
Art Nouveau Advertising Tile Poster from Canals&Nubiola's Wine Cellar
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
Art Nouveau Advertising Tile Poster from Canals&Nubiola's Wine Cellar This Advertising tile poster won the firts prize in the International E...
Ceramic
Antique 19th Century Pharmacy Pots from Spain
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
Antique 19th century ceramic pharmacy pots. A lot of 29 units all the same size with the same iconograpphy in black, gold and red colors but with diffre...
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Earth Globe
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
Early 20th century earth globe. Wooden base and Globus made of plaster and paper. As you can see in one photo the paper has been damaged in this one plac...
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Vintage General Electric Refrigerator Clock
Located in San Diego, CA
Reproduction of the 1930s general electric all steel refrigerator in a clock. This curiosity came with the purchase of one of these refrigerators in the 1930s. Construction is metal ...
Steel
Sold
H 11.5 in Dm 3.25 in
Pair of French Brass Repousse Trench Art Artillery Shell Vases Marked Verdun
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Made from spent artillery shells during the first World War, this pair of brass trench art vases features a repousse oak leaf on one side, and the name...
Brass
Early 20th Century Spanish Barber Armchair
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
Early 20th century Spanish Barber Armchair. The leather seat is adjustable up to 50 cm (19.6 in) and swivel. Made of porcelain and cast iron. This won...
Iron
Sold
H 6 in W 16.5 in D 12 in
Rare Sevres Style French Gilt Ormolu Bronze & Hand Painted Porcelain Vanity Set
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Special 7 piece early French/Victorian vanity set with ormolu bronze details, porcelain and hand painted scroll on Ivory silk. Pink, blue, green and gold hues. Set includes: Large vanity tray...
Bronze
Art Nouveau French Silver Match Box, Intricate Details
Located in Miami, FL
• Beautifully made; gorgeous style, detail and workmanship • Very nice antique condition with only minor wear commensurate with age and use • Deep designs all around; exquisite detai...
Silver