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.
Art Nouveau Brass Table Lamp with Jeweled Glass Shade, Hungary
Located in Queens, NY
Art Nouveau (Hungarian) brass table lamp with a multicolored glass jewel encrusted shade with 3 supports on a filigree base.
Brass
Pair of Centerpieces WMF, German, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Centerplace, WMF, German Page: 56 in the Book – Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork from WMF Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik: The English Catalogue 1906 Hardcover. Sign number: 544 ...
Crystal, Silver Plate
Large Daum Nancy & Louis Majorelle chandelier model “Dahlia” 1905 Art Nouveau
By Louis Majorelle, Daum
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
French Art Nouveau Chandelier “Dahlia” by Daum Nancy & Louis Majorelle. A rare and exceptional collaboration between two masters of the French Art Nouveau movement, this chandelier m...
Wrought Iron
Josef Hoffmann "Palme-Dubai" Extend Version with One More Story
Located in Vienna, AT
This is a larger version of the famous Josef Hoffmann Palme. Material used is brass in any finish, crystal-glass. Custom-made production at the ...
Brass
Jugend Art Nouveau Crystal Hallway or Bathroom Pendant Lamp
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A 1920s drop shaped crystal pendant cut with geometric and floral patterns. It comes in a white bakelite socket/top and with its matching white canopy. Suitable for Hallway, bathroom...
Crystal
Victorian Majolica Ceramic Table / Stool With Numidian Cranes by Thomas Forester
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Rare & Exquisite Victorian Art Nouveau Majolica Ceramic Colbalt Blue Garden Table, Stool Circa 1881-1900 by famous pottery makers Thomas Forester & Sons Features a decorative Num...
Ceramic
Charming female bust on pedestal, ceramics company Bechyne, 1900, Czech Republic
Located in Wien, AT
A very attractive female bust from the famous Czech terracotta manufactory Bechyne, an original from the Art Nouveau period, around 1900. The bust is of a particularly classic form ...
Terracotta
Set of Six Designer Dining Chairs, Art Nouveau Style, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Set of Six Designer Dining Chairs, 1980s. Great quality chairs with a Modern Art Nouveau Style.
Fabric, Wood
Art Nouveau Victorian Steel Office Stapler Paper Fastener Rarity
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1920. We offer this Art Nouveau Victorian Steel Office Stapler Paper Fastener Rarity, fantastic patina.
Steel
French Majolica Daisy Plate Orchies, circa 1890
By Orchies
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica daisy plate Orchies unsigned, circa 1890.
Ceramic
Majolica Bowl or Vide Poche blue green white colors circa 1900 Belgium
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Beatiful colored Art nouveau Bowl or vide poche. Designed with large green leaves, flowers, circa 1900. It has been made in Belgium
Majolica
$267Sale Price|26% Off
Hand Embroidered Cushion or Pillow, English circa 1940s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very decorative cushion or pillow with hand embroidered stylised flowers, which we date to the mid-20th century, circa 1940. The pillow is about 15 inches square. The...
Fabric
Rare Jugendstil or Art Nouveau Etagere Table / Stand with Glass Display Cabinet
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish and practical Art Nouveau table with built-in display cabinet. This multi-layer and multipurpose piece of Art Nouveau furniture is a great example of the creative and elegan...
Glass, Wood
Swedish Grace Porcelain Table Lamp Hand Painted by Louise Adelborg, 1926
Located in Odense, DK
An elegant and exceptionally refined Swedish Grace porcelain table lamp designed by Louise Adelborg, dating to 1926. This sculptural piece embodies the restrained sophistication and ...
Porcelain
Viennese Secession Shelf Gebrüder Thonet Nr. 58, circa 1906
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Praha, CZ
Manufactured in Austria by the Gebrüder Thonet Company. In the production program was included in the year 1906. Newly restored.
Beech, Bentwood
Exquisite 19th-Century French Elephant-Leg Candle Holders Interior Decor
Located in London, GB
Exquisite 19th-Century French Elephant-Leg Candle Holders A finely crafted pair of French Aesthetic Movement candle holders in gilt bronze, featuring detailed elephant-leg bases and ...
Copper, Bronze
Italian Art Nouveau-era decanter with bronze decorations
Located in Milano, IT
Art Nouveau Crystal Decanter with Figurative Bronze Decoration, 20th Century An elegant 20th-century Art Nouveau crystal decanter, adorned with finely crafted bronze decorations fea...
Crystal, Bronze
Antique Danish Patinated Brass Lion Paw Table Lamp, 1920s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A fluted column table lamp with lion paws - everything executed in patinated brass and featuring its original bakelite sockets. It was made during the 1920s by a Danish metalworker. ...
Brass
Exquisite very rare ''Spider vase'' by Daum Nancy wheel carved glass 1905 France
By Daum
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Museum-Worthy Daum Nancy Antique Vase, Wheel Carved & Powder Colour with Rare carved Spider relief. Step into the world of Belle Époque artistry with this extraordinary Daum Nancy art glass...
Glass
Art Nouveau Period Sterling Silver-Mounted Tall Pitcher
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau Period (1890-1910), sterling silver-mounted, glass, tall, graceful pitcher, made by Dominick and Haff, New York, Ca. 1895, The sterling silver mount is decorated with flo...
Sterling Silver
Art nouveau screen no.11306 by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Art nouveau screen no.11306 by Thonet in excellent original condition. Oil peacock painting on canvas in bentwood frame.
Beech, Bentwood
Jugendstil Pendant with Palme Koenig Glass Shade Vienna Around 1910
Located in Wien, Au
Jugendstil Pendant with palme koenig glass shade vienna around 1910 Polished and stove enamelled.
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Art Nouveau Glass and Brass Pende, Re-Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Very important early design by Josef Hoffmann. See figure: The Studio 1906, C14 Art Revival in Austria brass, crystal-glass, opaline-glass on the chain. Length custom-made All comp...
Brass
Louis Majorelle (1859-1926) important small table Art Nouveau Art Dec circa 1910
Located in Berlin, DE
Louis Majorelle, École de Nancy, Art Nouveau, France / Français, Circa 1900 , Fin XIXe – début XXe siècle Table de chevet, Chevet d'époque Art Nouveau, Table d'appoint / Tab...
Reclaimed Wood
Black Art Nouveau Vase by Upsala Ekeby, Ceramic, Sweden, 1940s Design
By Vicke Lindstrand, Anna-Lisa Thomson, Harald Östergren, Rörstrand, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Black art nouveau vase by Upsala Ekeby manufactured in the 1940s. Soft shaped ceramic vase with a mother of pearl like black shine, sea foam green flared top edge and small ear-like ...
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery, Stoneware
Art Nouveau Majolica Side Plates, Hand-Painted Birds & Grapes, Germany
Located in Uppsala , SE
Ceramic majolica / barbotine relief plates or side plates (assiettes). Hand-painted or color-glazed relief motifs showing small birds perched on grapevines with green leaves and pur...
Majolica
Antique Sexy French Art Nouveau Bronze Nude Girl on Onyx Base, by Philippe
Located in Petaluma, CA
This very sexy nude was sculpted by the noted and respected French artist Paul Philippe (1870-1930). Known for his artistic portrayal of women, of the period, in bronze. This you...
Onyx, Bronze
libreria etagere art nouveau originale thonet anni 20
By Thonet
Located in taranto, IT
splendida e rara etagere originale degli anni 20 di Thonet, realizzata in legno nella migliore tradizione della famosa casa austriaca, composta da tre mensole poste su livelli divers...
Wood
Ipsens Enke. Ceramic Art Nouveau vase with relief decoration. Ca 1910/20s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Ipsens Enke vase, model 509, ca. 1910/20s. Art Nouveau vase in glazed ceramic with characteristic sculptural relief decoration in dark brown glaze over a warm golden-orange base. An ...
Ceramic
$392Sale Price / set|48% Off
White Relief Ceramic Table Lamps by Hans Rudolf Petersen, 1940s, Set of 2
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A set of white glazed danish 1940s Table Lights with Floral impressions perforated to the pottery 'Body'. Arts and Craft - Art Nouveau styling. Both designed and manufactured by Hans Rudolf Petersen...
Ceramic
French Majolica Daisy Plate Orchies, circa 1890
By Orchies
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica daisy plate Orchies unsigned, circa 1890.
Ceramic
$607Sale Price / set|40% Off
Excuisite Pair of Antique Majolica Wall Plates Kingfisher Bird Pattern
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A lovely antique pair of large Art Nouveau decorative majolica wall plates with kingfishers sitting on branches above a lakeside with waterlillies ...
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Style Satin Glass Vase, Pink and Black, Italy 1980s
Located in Glasgow, GB
An Art Nouveau style art glass vase produced in Italy during the 1980s, executed in satin-finished dusky pink glass with applied black glass decoration. The vase is formed in a comp...
Art Glass
Amsterdam School Table Lamp with Carved Foliate Decoration, Netherlands, 1920s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare table lamp was produced in the Netherlands in the 1920s. The lamp offers an interesting combination of Dutch Art Nouveau and Amsterdam School style, both emerging at the st...
Fabric, Birch
Emperor Wilhelm I. Metal Catchall Shows National Monument, Antique German, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful metal tray or catchall to hold quills. Made of cast Iron, has some nice patina, but this is old-age. A beautiful piece for your desk or any room. It was made for the 100th ...
Iron
7 Port Oval Canopy with 7x Lirio in Verdigris Finish, Flor de Bronce Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
7 Port Oval Canopy with 7 Lirio Pendants- Verdigris Finish Inspired by the layered significance of the calla lily in Mexican culture, this collection blends the bold heft of cast br...
Bronze
5 Port Oval Canopy with 5x Lirio in Sepia Finish, Flor de Bronce Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
5 Port Oval Canopy with 5 Lirio Pendants- Sepia Finish Inspired by the layered significance of the calla lily in Mexican culture, this collection blends the bold heft of cast bronze...
Bronze
5 Port Oval Canopy with 5x Lirio in Brasa Finish, Flor de Bronce Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
5 Port Oval Canopy with 5 Lirio Pendants- Brasa Finish Inspired by the layered significance of the calla lily in Mexican culture, this collection blends the bold heft of cast bronze...
Bronze
5 Port Oval Canopy with 5x Lirio in Gunmetal Finish, Flor de Bronce Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
5 Port Oval Canopy with 5 Lirio Pendants- Gunmetal Finish Inspired by the layered significance of the calla lily in Mexican culture, this collection blends the bold heft of cast bro...
Bronze
5 Port Round Canopy with 5x Lirio in Gunmetal Finish, Flor de Bronce Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
5 Port Round Canopy with 5 Lirio Pendants- Gunmetal Finish Inspired by the layered significance of the calla lily in Mexican culture, this collection blends the bold heft of cast br...
Bronze
5 Port Round Canopy with 5x Lirio in Brasa Finish, Flor de Bronce Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
5 Port Round Canopy with 5 Lirio Pendants- Brasa Finish Inspired by the layered significance of the calla lily in Mexican culture, this collection blends the bold heft of cast bronz...
Bronze
5 Port Round Canopy with 5x Lirio in Verdigris Finish, Flor de Bronce Collection
By L'Aviva Home
Located in New York, NY
5 Port Round Canopy with 5 Lirio Pendants- Verdigris Finish Inspired by the layered significance of the calla lily in Mexican culture, this collection blends the bold heft of cast b...
Bronze
Antique Blackinton & Co. Palm Leaf Tropical Sterling Silver Matchsafe or Vesta
By Tiffany & Co., R. Blackinton & Co., Whiting Manufacturing Company, Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed antique Art Nouveau silver matchsafe or vesta. By R. Blackington & Co. In sterling silver. With repousse tropical flora throughout the body and lid and a blank carto...
Sterling Silver
Monumental French Vase, Sign: Gallé, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty
By Gallé
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Glass
Eichwald Secessionist Majolica Centerpiece Pedestal Bowl
By Eichwald
Located in Doylestown, PA
Striking antique majolica pedestal bowl hand-painted in yellow, pink, green and black glazes by Eichwald, early 20th century. It features classic art nouveau decorative elements with...
Majolica
Pair Of 6-Flame Art Nouveau Silver Candelabra, by J.C. Klinkosch Vienna, Ca 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Simple elegance with that certain something: Two six-flame candleholders on a round, smooth base with fluted stepped rim, trumpet-shaped raised shaft, chalice forming after constrict...
Silver
$2,276Sale Price / item|20% Off
Rare Italian Rattan and Wicker Chaise Longues , Italy 30s
Located in Lucija, SI
Rare rattan and wicker chaise longues or lounger armchair, with footstools was made in the 1930s in Italy
Wicker, Rattan
Antique Royal Doulton Robins Egg Blue and Gold Trinket Dish - 1901 England
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Royal Doulton Bone China Side Plate – Blue Rim with Gilt Trim, England c.1954 Add a touch of timeless English elegance to your collection wit...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Paint
$2,313Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Ceiling Lamp by Dagobert Peche
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Design und Ausführung: Dagobert Peche (1887 – 1923); Österreich Lit.: cf. W. Uecker, Art Nouveau and Art Deco Lamps and Candlesticks, Herrsching, Germany, 1978, p. 29, no. 29 for an...
Brass
Pair of small table lamps with heron motifs. Porcelain and brass, early 20th C
Located in København, Copenhagen
Pair of small table lamps in porcelain and brass, early 20th century. Elegant pair of table lamps with hand-painted heron motifs in blue tones on white porcelain, mounted with origin...
Brass
$2,900 / set
Pair of Art Nouveau Fireplace Panels
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of art nouveau panels possibly from a furnace or fireplace. Each panel measures 10.25" wide and 19" high. They have been fitted with brackets for hanging.
Steel
$140 / item
Small German Majolica Iris Plate, Circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Small German Majolica Iris Plate Circa 1900.
Ceramic
Antique French Galle Style Muller Freres Cameo Art Glass Landscape Table Lamp
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique original, authentic, Art Nouveau French cameo glass table lamp, signed Muller Freres, circa 1900. Established in Lunéville, France, Muller Frères consisted of a group ...
Art Glass
Antique Art Nouveau White Glazed Pedestal Sink
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A stylish antique art nouveau style stoneware pedestal sink with a white glaze finish and original nickel-plated fittings. This beautiful sink includes a range of character features ...
Stoneware
19th Century French Art Nouveau Hand-Carved Painted Transom Mirror
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A unique carved and painted wood transom from late 19th century France that would have been built into the architecture of a room, now holding a plate of mirror glass that can effect...
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Paint
Pair of Canvas and Leather Backpacks from the 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of canvas and leather backpacks from the 20th century. Pair of backpacks from the early 20th century, made of canvas and leather, in good condition. H: 60 cm, W: 40 cm, D: 25 c...
Leather, Canvas
Art Nouveau Faux Bamboo Brass Table Lamp with A Milk Glass Shade
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An Art Nouveau Art Deco brass faux bamboo table lamp featuring a salmon-opaline glass shade featuring decorative geometric motifs. This antique lamp features a slender, ribbed vert...
Chrome, Brass
Boys Head Metal Bottle Stopper Topper Barware, Belgium, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful metal and cork bottle stopper. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal and cork. A beautiful nice barware item or just a display item in your collections of...
Metal
Émile Gallé Art Nouveau Cameo Glass Landscape Vase, circa 1900
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Émile Gallé Art Nouveau Cameo Glass Landscape Vase, circa 1900 Elegant French Art Nouveau cameo glass vase attributed to Émile Gallé, circa 1900. The vase features a warm golden yel...
Art Glass
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Decorative Bowl by Daum, Art Glass, France, 11.5" Diameter
By Daum
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Daum Nancy France Art Glass Bowl Unmarked attributed Daum Nancy 6 height x 11.5 diameter Original preowned unrestored vintage condition. Refer ...
Art Glass