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.
$800 / item
Lalique Crystal Capucines Centerpiece Bowl
By Lalique
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Lalique Crystal Capucines Bowl. It depicts a clear and frosted heavy bowl shaped as a flower made of six Nasturtium’s leaves so that is the reason that is called Nastartium...
Crystal
Ernest-Baptiste Leveillé, Venetian/Grotto-style Smoked Glass Service (29 Pieces)
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional and rare service by Ernest-Baptiste Leveillé, the Parisian glassmaker in the Renaissance-revival Venetian and Grotto style. Made in a delicate smoky taupe glass, the s...
Glass
Baccarat - 6 Pink Overlay Crystal Wine Glasses - Hyères - Art Nouveau - France
By Baccarat
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
A set of six exquisite Art Deco wine glasses in pink overlay crystal, the Hyères pattern by Baccarat, dating from 1915-1920. Baccarat is a fabulous and prestigious French crystal house dating back to the 18th century. The glass is beautifully cut, the crystal is clear and brilliant, diffusing light wonderfully. The stems are cut with flat ribs and pearls, and the base is cut in a star and diamond point. These glasses are listed in the 1916 Baccarat tableware catalog (see photo). The crystal work is splendid; Baccarat crystal is a high-end, luxurious crystal. These glasses perfectly complement the Saint Louis decanter...
Crystal
9 Art Nouveau Citrine Gilt Enamel Crystal Demitasse Cups & Saucers, Atrib. Moser
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Set of 9 Art Nouveau Citrine Glass Demitasse Cups and Saucers with Gilt Enamel, circa 1900 (18 Pieces Consisting of 9 Cups and 9 Saucers) A refined set of nine Art Nouveau demitasse...
Crystal
$105Sale Price|70% Off
Vintage Set of Four Shannon Irish Crystal Sutton Place Water Goblets
Located in New Orleans, LA
Offered for sale are four stemmed Shannon by Godinger Sutton Place Crystal water goblets, features are vertical cuts and crisscross pattern on upper portion of the bowl, stem has a b...
Crystal
Liquor set, jug and glasses, Daum crystal, orange and purple, Art Deco, 1930s, F
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind Art Deco liquor set, made of blown crystal by the prestigious French firm Daum. The set consists of a pitcher and six exquisite glasses, all handcrafted. Daum pieces r...
Crystal
Attributed to Moser, Etched Gold Crystalware Service (28 pieces), Early 1900s
Located in PARIS, FR
Superbly detailed crystalware service (28 pieces) with delicately acid etched gold leaf decorations of berries and foliage on the receptacle standing on a faceted stem. Extremely fi...
Crystal
Baccarat Art Nouveau Centerpieces
By Baccarat
Located in New Orleans, LA
This extraordinary and rare pair of centerpieces beautifully showcase the artistry of Baccarat crystal. Art Nouveau in style, the centerpieces feature large vases of frosted glass with masterfully cut designs at their flared peaks. Teardrop glass accents are elegantly draped from the vases’ rims, adding a delicate sense of movement to the stunning pieces. Three tulip-form shades of shimmering pink art glass are supported by gilded arms that protrude from the vases center in graceful arches, completing the stunning pieces. Exquisitely decorated with an etched floral motif, these centerpieces typify Baccarat’s interpretation of Art Nouveau. Baccarat has long been internationally recognized for its extraordinary crystal creations. During the mid-19th century, their tableware was favored by European royalty...
Crystal
$1,880Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 Baccarat Hand Blown Elbeuf Cut Crystal Liquor Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in Mérida, YU
Baccarat Elbeuf service was first introduced in 1908 and presented at the International Exhibition in Nancy, France in 1909. Specially ordered in 1920 by the Maharaja of Baroda. This...
Crystal
$8,659Sale Price / set|30% Off
Set of 8 Baccarat Elbeuf Crystal Martini Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in Mérida, YU
Baccarat Elbeuf service was first introduced in 1908 and presented at the International Exhibition in Nancy, France in 1909. Specially ordered in 1920 by the Maharaja of Baroda. This...
Crystal
Carafe and Cedère Glass, Enameled, Crystal, Early 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Carafe and Cedère glass, enameled, crystal, early 20th century. Carafe and Cedère glass, early 20th century, enameled crystal. Glass: H: 12.5cm, D: 5cm Carafe: H: 23.5cm, D: 10cm C...
Crystal
Lobmeyr 7 Piece Lobed Rose Shaded to Clear Crystal Cordial Set
By J.L Lobmeyr
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This lovely Art Nouveau period hand blown crystal decanter is part of a complete cordial set. The 6-lobed decanter shades from a clear neck to a deep cranberry base with 6 matching q...
Crystal
$3,920Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6 Baccarat Hand Blown Elbeuf Cut Crystal White Wine Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in Mérida, YU
Baccarat Elbeuf service was first introduced in 1908 and presented at the International Exhibition in Nancy, France in 1909. Specially ordered in 1920 by the Maharaja of Baroda. This...
Crystal
$2,840Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 Baccarat Hand Blown Elbeuf Cut Crystal Red Wine Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in Mérida, YU
Baccarat Elbeuf service was first introduced in 1908 and presented at the International Exhibition in Nancy, France in 1909. Specially ordered in 1920 by the Maharaja of Baroda. This...
Crystal
$12,000 / set
Set of 8 Baccarat Elbeuf Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in Mérida, YU
Baccarat Elbeuf service was first introduced in 1908 and presented at the International Exhibition in Nancy, France in 1909. Specially ordered in 1920 by the Maharaja of Baroda. This...
Crystal
$5,600Sale Price / set|30% Off
Set of 6 Baccarat Elbeuf Crystal Martini Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in Mérida, YU
Baccarat Elbeuf service was first introduced in 1908 and presented at the International Exhibition in Nancy, France in 1909. Specially ordered in 1920 by the Maharaja of Baroda. This...
Crystal
Large Lalique Black Crystal Tree Of Life Plate
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Lalique Black Crystal Tree of Life Plate. It depicts a round frosted black crystal plate etched with a large tree of life in the center. I...
Crystal
Art Nouveau Period Silver Drinks or Schnapps Set by WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Austin, TX
A beautiful Art Nouveau drinks or schnapps set of hall-marked fine plate silver, made by the celebrated German metalworks, WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) during the early 2...
Silver Plate, Metal
Early 20C Etched Crystal Jug with Sterling Silver Base by Arthur A Everts
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A GORGEOUS piece of DALLAS History, namely, an Early 20C European Etched Crystal Jug with Sterling Silver Base by Arthur A Everts of Dallas. Ci...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Silver Rimmed Deeply Brilliant Cut Glass Round 6" Accent Bowl
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a lovely 6" diameter small round bowl with brilliant cut glass with deep grooves separating the lovely cut design. The heavy fine quality silver covered rim has an appealing ...
Silver
$2,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6 Baccarat Hand Blown Elbeuf Cut Crystal Liquor Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in Mérida, YU
Baccarat Elbeuf service was first introduced in 1908 and presented at the International Exhibition in Nancy, France in 1909. Specially ordered in 1920 ...
Crystal
$5,520Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 8 Baccarat Hand Blown Elbeuf Cut Crystal Red Wine Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in Mérida, YU
Baccarat Elbeuf service was first introduced in 1908 and presented at the International Exhibition in Nancy, France in 1909. Specially ordered in 1920 by the Maharaja of Baroda. This...
Crystal
Daum France, Rose Carafe, France 1980
By Daum
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb Daum France decanter with its beautiful stopper in glass paste in the shape of a rose. Signed Daum France, carafe engraved with the letters BR. In excellent condition. Dimen...
Crystal
Daum France, "Palm" Carafe, France 1980
By Daum
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb Daum France decanter with its beautiful stopper in pate de verre in the shape of palm. Signed Daum France, carafe engraved with the letters BR. In excellent condition. Dimen...
Crystal
Bohemia crystal bowl 20th century italian
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Bronze duck statue vintage italian
Crystal
luxurious 20th century Italian crystal bowl
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Luxurious 20th century Italian crystal bowl
Crystal
$18,000 / set
Set of 12 Baccarat Elbeuf Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in Mérida, YU
Baccarat Elbeuf service was first introduced in 1908 and presented at the International Exhibition in Nancy, France in 1909. Specially ordered in 1920 by the Maharaja of Baroda. This...
Crystal
Art Nouveau Belgian Carmine Cut Glass Bottle/Wine Decanter by Val Saint Lambert
Located in North Miami, FL
Val Saint Lambert's 'Eurydice' model: early 20th century Art Nouveau carmine belgian cut glass bottle/wine carafe/decanter By: Val Saint Lambert Material:...
Crystal
$6,320Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 8 Baccarat Hand Blown Elbeuf Cut Crystal White Wine Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in Mérida, YU
Baccarat Elbeuf service was first introduced in 1908 and presented at the International Exhibition in Nancy, France in 1909. Specially ordered in 1920 by the Maharaja of Baroda. This...
Crystal
Small Lalique Black Crystal Tree Of Life Plate
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Lalique Black Crystal Tree of Life Plate. It depicts a round frosted black crystal plate etched with a large tree of life in the center. I...
Crystal
French Art Nouveau gilt bronze epergne with engraved crystal bowls, 1900s
By Baccarat
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an elegant and finely executed Art Nouveau epergne centerpiece, crafted in France circa 1900, combining a richly cast gilt bronze base with exceptional ...
Crystal, Bronze
Pair Of Antique Cut Crystal Handled Decanters With Tole Vine Decoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautifully formed cut crystal decanters with bulbous bases with thumb print pattern. The tall slender necks with entwined patinated tole grape vines. The curved spouts with tall cut...
Crystal, Metal
Art Nouveau Cut Crystal Decanters w/ Sterling Silver Stoppers & Etched Detailing
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional pair of Art Nouveau cut crystal decanters, crafted in America circa 1910, blends artistry with function in a celebration of early 20th-century design. The decanters ...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
$9,000 / set
Set of 6 Baccarat Elbeuf Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in Mérida, YU
Baccarat Elbeuf service was first introduced in 1908 and presented at the International Exhibition in Nancy, France in 1909. Specially ordered in 1920 by the Maharaja of Baroda. This...
Crystal
$4,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6 Baccarat Hand Blown Elbeuf Cut Crystal Red Wine Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in Mérida, YU
Baccarat Elbeuf service was first introduced in 1908 and presented at the International Exhibition in Nancy, France in 1909. Specially ordered in 1920 by the Maharaja of Baroda. This...
Crystal
19th Century Crystal Silver Mounted Ewer, Edouard Ernie, circa 1880
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
A crystal ewer blown and carved with facets in silver mounts. The crystal is engraved with flower baskets or baskets of flowers. The neck of the ewer is finely chiseled with floral motifs and grape vines. The beak is closed by a lid whose grip is adorned with a floral pattern in relief. The interior is vermeil. The ewer has an handle decorated with foliage. The base is decorated with a stylized laurel frieze. Measures: Height 30 cm Silver hallmarks. Head of Minerva. From 1838. Hallmark of master silversmith: Edouard Ernie...
Crystal, Silver
Set 12 Hand Blown Art Nouveau Austrian Tall Crystal Goblets w/ Cherry Marquetry
By J.L Lobmeyr
Located in Great Barrington, MA
A dramatic and rare set of 12 hand blown TALL crystal goblets with red marquetry "balloons" or "cherries" with engraved decoration. The elegant stems are panel cut, giving a wonderfu...
Crystal
$2,092Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 Baccarat Hand Blown Elbeuf Cut Crystal White Wine Glasses
By Baccarat
Located in Mérida, YU
Baccarat Elbeuf service was first introduced in 1908 and presented at the International Exhibition in Nancy, France in 1909. Specially ordered in 1920 by the Maharaja of Baroda. This...
Crystal
19th Century Silver Pair of Ewer and Crystal Engraved
By Edouard Ernie, Paris 1
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of crystal ewer and silver mounted. The crystal is engraved with floral baskets or baskets of flowers. The top of the ewers is finely chiseled with floral motifs and grapefruit. The beak is closed by a lid whose grip is decorated with a floral motif in relief. The interior is in vermeil. The ewer has an handle decorated with foliage. The base is decorated with a stylized laurel frieze. H:11.22in. (28.5 cm). Weight: 36.75oz (2042 g). Silver marks: Head of Minerva. From 1838. Silversmith’s mark: Edouard Ernie...
Crystal, Silver
$10,245 / set
Two Art Nouveau Silver and Glass Wine Jugs by Devaux
Located in London, GB
These graceful claret jugs were created in France in the early 20th century, when Art Nouveau was the dominant style in the arts. Art Nouveau is characterised by its use of continuous serpentine lines, inspired by nature. The jugs bear the maker’s mark of Paul Devaux...
Crystal, Silver