The Used Art
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau The Used Art
Oak
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau The Used Art
Oak
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau The Used Art
Walnut
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau The Used Art
Walnut
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau The Used Art
Oak
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau The Used Art
Walnut
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau The Used Art
Walnut
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A Close Look at art-nouveau Furniture
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
- Emerged during the late 19th century
- Popularity of this modernizing style declined in the early 20th century
- Originated in France and Britain but variants materialized elsewhere
- Informed by Rococo, Pre-Raphaelite art, Japanese art (and Japonisme), Arts and Crafts; influenced modernism, Bauhaus
CHARACTERISTICS OF ART NOUVEAU FURNITURE DESIGN
- 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
- Use of hardwoods such as oak, mahogany and rosewood
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.
Finding the Right figurative-sculptures for You
Figurative sculpture is a modern art form in which artists create work that is typically representative of the visible world. However, sculptures that are considered to be figurative in style can definitely be inclusive of abstract elements. A wide range of antique, new and vintage figurative sculptures has been made over the years by both well-known and emerging artists, and these pieces can prove striking and provocative as part of your home decor.
Realistic representation in visual art has a very long history. And while figurative artists, whether figurative painters or sculptors, find inspiration in humans, animals and real-life objects, good figurative sculptures can make us think differently about how the real world should look. Just as figurative paintings might include Photorealistic human likenesses, they can also include elements of Surrealism and can suggest a creative and alternative reality. Figurative sculptures aren’t always realistic impressions of our world — depictions of the human form in classical Greek sculpture, for example, might emphasize beauty and physical perfection.
There are a variety of figurative sculptures on 1stDibs created by artists working in a number of styles, including Art Deco, Art Nouveau, mid-century modern and more. A large figurative sculpture can introduce an excellent focal point in a guest bedroom, while smaller works might draw the eye to spaces such as wall shelving or a bookcase that people may otherwise overlook.
When decorating your living room, dining room, home office and study areas with figurative sculptures, don’t be afraid to choose bold colors to inject brightness into neutral spaces. Texture is another factor to consider when purchasing figurative sculptures. A highly textural work of ceramics or wood will catch the eye in a sleek modern space, whereas a smooth, flat glass sculpture can offer an often much-needed contrast in a room that already has many textures.
On 1stDibs, find antique, new or vintage figurative sculpture or other kinds of sculpture for your home decor today.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An easel is an upright support used for displaying or creating art. It sits at a vertical angle of about 20°, and is used by painters and illustrators, normally standing up. An easel is also a great way to display a finished piece of work. Find a selection of easels from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is the use of mandala art?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024The use of mandala art is often spiritual. In both Buddhism and Hinduism, creating mandalas can represent how sorrow turns into joy, and the act of destroying them is a reminder of the temporary nature of all things. People who produce mandalas often find the act to be meditative and calming. On 1stDibs, find a variety of fine art from some of the world's top galleries and dealers.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022In art, rice paper is often used as a surface for drawing. Artists may use it to create sketches with charcoals, graphite, pastels or ink. Shop a collection of rice paper art from some of the world’s top makers and sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Among the materials used in folk art are cloth, wood, paper, clay and metal.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024Alexander Calder used many of the elements of art when producing his works. The American sculptor is known as the father of the mobile, a moving artwork composed of delicately balanced sculptural forms suspended from the ceiling. These kinetic pieces use color, shape and space to convey a sense of unity, and the form of the art allows it to interact with its environment. Find a variety of Alexander Calder art on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Louise Nevelson is best known for her work creating wooden structures and sculptures. However, she also explored using plexiglass, aluminum and steel in her art. Her work is considered fundamental to the history of Feminist art and has challenged the stereotype of the male sculptor, solidifying her place in art history. Shop a selection of Louise Nevelson pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023A variety of stones were used in Art Deco rings. Some commonly used gemstones included sapphires, emeralds, turquoise, coral, rubies, jade and onyx. Makers also created rings out of diamonds during this period. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Art Deco rings from some of the world's top dealers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022English artist Peter Clark is renowned for his work in collage and found items used to create mixed media pieces. He also is known for his work with woodcut art. Browse a variety of authentic Peter Clark pieces from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022George Rodrigue's main medium is painting. He often produced mixed media works on board, combining acrylic paints, silkscreen, metal and illustrations to create unified compositions. He is well-known for his “Blue Dog” and “Cajun” series. On 1stDibs, find a variety of George Rodrigue art.
- What were hutches used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Hutches were used for holding china and glassware in a kitchen. Decorative pieces could historically be placed on the upper shelves and smaller odds and ends could be tucked away in cabinets and drawers below. Today, many people still utilize hutches in this way, but they may also choose to store other items inside. On 1stDibs, shop a range of hutches.
- What are the uses for ceramics?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024There are many uses for ceramics. Artisans can use ceramic material to produce decorative objects, such as figurines and sculptures, as well as functional vessels like dinnerware, vases and lamps. Ceramics also have industrial applications and are commonly used as building materials and in electronics, dental implants, bathroom fixtures, engines and other devices, equipment and products. Explore a variety of ceramics on 1stDibs.
- How do I use a tulipiere?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To use a tulipiere, first add water. This will help to preserve fresh flowers. For silk or dried blooms, skip this step. Then, add flowers stem by stem to the various openings in the vase. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of tulipieres.
- What is Sphene used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Sphene is a rare yellow to green-hued gemstone also called titanite. It is used in jewelry and is known for its exceptional dispersion and luster, making it a particularly eye-catching gem. Shop an array of sphene jewelry from top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is a nightstand used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 16, 2019
Nightstands are typically used to hold or support items that are used during the night or items you want by your side in the morning or whenever you are laying in bed such as a lamp, a book or a clock.
- What is Ruby used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A ruby is a common stone used in jewelry. The benefits of wearing a ruby stone includes inducating the feelings of love, warmth, and compassion in the heart.
- What is burl used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Burl wood can be used in a number of different ways. The wood is sourced from growths on trees called burls and has an unusual pattern that differs from typical woodgrain. It is suitable for making solid and veneered furniture, gun socks, musical instruments and decorative accents for homes. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of burl wood furniture and decorative objects.
- What is a bodysuit used for?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Bodysuits create a foundation on which to build your outfits. Bodysuits can be worn as an undergarment that provides support and hugs your curves or as a piece itself, layered with any type of bottoms to make a style statement. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary bodysuits from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Bodysuits have a number of different uses, including as foundation garments, underwear or activewear. Christian Dior and Versace are a few of the many fashion houses that have made the bodysuit their own over the years. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage and contemporary bodysuits from some of the world’s top sellers.
- What were cameos used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A cameo is a decorative accessory made of hard stone or gemstone, on which portraits or “reliefs” are carved. First seen in ancient Rome, the piece became popular again in the Victorian era, and is still seen in production today. Find a collection of vintage and contemporary cameos from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What are tankards used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Tankards were widely used for drinking ales. They were widely used in Germany, Great Britain and in the Scandinavian countries. Metal tankards generally had a glass bottom, and legend has it, this was designed as a way to avoid conscription. If the drinker saw a coin in the bottom of the glass, they would refuse the drink, thus avoiding conscription. You’ll find a variety of tankards from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.