Q: What is the history of Art Deco?

The history of Art Deco begins in the early 20th century.Art Deco emerged as a global design style around the start of World War I, during the last years of Art Nouveau's popularity. The style conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. Its hallmarks include the use of geometric designs influenced by Cubism. Major discoveries of Egyptian tombs during the era also influenced the movement.The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition, the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, held in Paris in 1925. After World War II, tastes shifted toward more functional, less ornate modernism, but today, the Art Deco style is still favored for its luxurious sophistication. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of vintage Art Deco furniture.

Question 1

How do I identify Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

To identify Art Deco, look for the characteristics of the period. Furniture produced at the time is generally lacquered metal with a mirror-like glossy finish. Wooden items should be an exotic wood. Most items feature symmetrical designs, and geometric forms were popular motifs during the period. In addition, Art Deco often shows the influence of Hellenistic, Egyptian and Asian designs. Shop a variety of Art Deco furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What was Art Deco influenced by?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco was influenced by a number of things. The discovery of ancient tombs around the turn of the century led to a renewed interest in Egyptian furniture and architecture that inspired Art Deco designers. Art Deco was also informed by Cubism, Futurism, Louis XVI style, De Stijl, modernism and the Vienna Secession. Shop a large collection of Art Deco furniture, decorative objects and jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 3

When did Art Deco originate?

Accepted Answer

The Art Deco period originated in France. Its name comes from the title of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925, credited with introducing the style to the world. It was informed by ancient Egypt, Cubism, Futurism, Louis XVI, De Stijl, modernism and the Vienna Secession and went on to influence the Streamline Moderne and mid-century modern movements. Shop a wide range of Art Deco furniture, decorative objects and jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is the history of Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The history of Art Deco begins in the early 20th century.

Art Deco emerged as a global design style around the start of World War I, during the last years of Art Nouveau's popularity. The style conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. Its hallmarks include the use of geometric designs influenced by Cubism. Major discoveries of Egyptian tombs during the era also influenced the movement.

The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition, the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, held in Paris in 1925. After World War II, tastes shifted toward more functional, less ornate modernism, but today, the Art Deco style is still favored for its luxurious sophistication. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of vintage Art Deco furniture.

Question 5

What is an Art Deco lamp?

Accepted Answer

An Art Deco lamp is any lamp that’s made in the styles of the Art Deco movement, which was dominant in the 1920s and 1930s. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of Art Deco lamps from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 6

What is art deco ring?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco rings were made during the early 20th century. Named for a design movement that originated at a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925, Art Deco rings are generally quite geometric, symmetrical and incorporate a variety of gemstones — especially sapphires and emeralds. Find a wide variety of Art Deco rings for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What defines Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

A few things define Art Deco. Date is one factor, as the style emerged in the 1920s and remained popular during the 1930s. Art Deco design usually includes bold geometric lines and forms or intricate repeating floral motifs. Designers working in this style tended to use expensive materials, such as shagreen or marble, as well as exotic woods like mahogany, ebony and zebra wood. Furniture often featured metal accents, mirrored finishes and embellishments made from exotic animal hides and inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. Shop a wide range of Art Deco furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What was the Art Deco movement?

Accepted Answer

The Art Deco movement was a decorative style popular during the 1920s and ’30s. Few design styles are as universally recognized and appreciated as Art Deco. The term alone conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. The iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design, celebrating society's growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship. 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. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Art Deco furniture and decorative objects.

Question 9

What is an art deco watch?

Accepted Answer

An art deco watch is defined by its geometric case, which is either circular or rectangular. The watch style was highly popular between 1920 and 1950, and is still sought after today. You’ll find a collection of art deco watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs

Question 10

What is art deco jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco jewelry was popular during the design movement of the 1920s and 30s. Art Deco jewelry is typically characterized by geometric patterns and gemstones of contrasting colors.

Question 11

What is the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco is that the former is detailed and ornate, and the latter is sharp and geometrical. When the movement started at the end of the 19th century, Art Nouveau was heavily influenced by nature and the curved lines of flowers. Art Deco, which became popular in the beginning of the 20th century, was inspired by the geometric abstraction of cubism.

Question 12

How do I know if my ring is Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

To know if a ring is Art Deco, examine its style. The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. Makers often incorporated geometric motifs in jewelry designs. Materials may also provide a clue about the era of the piece. Platinum, rubies, sapphires and emeralds were some of the most common precious metals and gemstones used at the time. Keep in mind that there are many convincing reproductions of Art Deco rings and other high-quality pieces inspired by originals. As a result, you may wish to have a certified appraiser or expert within the field of antique jewelry design to evaluate the ring. Shop a selection of Art Deco rings on 1stDibs.

Question 13

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 14

Is Art Deco jewelry valuable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some Art Deco jewelry is valuable. Jewelry from the 1920s and ’30s has remained consistently popular. It experienced a major revival in the 1960s, and even today, jewelry makers continue to be inspired by the period. As a result, demand for Art Deco jewelry is typically high, but the actual value of a piece depends on its style, maker, age and condition. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can help you determine how much your jewelry is worth. Explore a large selection of Art Deco jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 15

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 16

What are Art Deco engagement rings?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco engagement rings are accessories that were produced during the 1920s and '30s and are characterized by details associated with the Art Deco style. They're often very colorful and feature bold geometric lines as well as gemstones cut in nontraditional ways. While the style got its name from an arts exhibition in Paris in 1925, Art Deco was inspired by Cubism and a shift from Art Nouveau's floral aesthetic. The modern look of Art Deco engagement rings reflects an evolution in fashion, visual art and more, as well as the sweeping societal changes taking hold at the time. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage Art Deco engagement rings.

Question 17

What are art deco lamps made of?

Accepted Answer

Art deco lamps come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. Vintage art deco-style lamps were made of natural materials such as metal, glass and pottery. You’ll find a variety of art deco lamps from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 18

Was Eileen Gray Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The answer to whether Eileen Gray's designs were Art Deco depends on which piece you're considering. Gray was ever-evolving as a designer. By the early 1920s, she was creating geometric works that embodied the essence of Art Deco and the nascent modernist design movement. Some pieces, like her Bricks screen, employ the planar forms favored by Gerrit Rietveld and other De Stijl architects of the Netherlands. Others feature the tubular chrome framing used by Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who are associated with the mid-century modern design style. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Eileen Gray furniture.

Question 19

Is Toulouse-Lautrec Art Deco?

Accepted Answer

The work of French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec falls into the Art Nouveau style, which was prevalent approximately during the period of 1890-1910. Following the Art Nouveau period was the Art Deco era, which is usually defined as the era between 1920 and 1930. Toulouse-Lautrec died in 1901 putting his art in the era of Art Nouveau, but certain aspects of it definitely hint at the coming Art Deco style considering the definite overlap of the two movements. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.

Question 20

What is the difference between Art Deco and MCM?

Accepted Answer

The difference between Art Deco and mid-century modern (MCM) is that the terms describe two distinct design styles. Art Deco typically refers to pieces produced between the 1920s and 1930s. Furniture produced in this style tends to display bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs, metal accents, shimmering mirrored finishes and embellishments made from exotic animal hides, inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory. MCM, or mid-century modern, emerged after World War II. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. Designers working in this style frequently used industrial materials, including steel, fiberglass, molded plywood, and alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak. Explore a wide variety of Art Deco and mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Art Deco Artwork

20th Century Art Deco Landscape Paintings

Barmouth, Early 20th Century Art-Deco Artwork for Poster, 1923

Early 20th Century Art Deco Landscape Paintings

Norman WilkinsonRHUDDLAN CASTLE, 20th Century Art-Deco (Artwork for Travel Poster), 1929

1920s Art Deco Figurative Prints

Eugene FosseyArt Deco Antique Poster "Eugene - Ondulation Permanente" , 1926

1930s Art Deco Interior Paintings

Arthur (Rosenman) RossArt Deco Movie Set 20th Century American Modernism Hollywood WPA Social Realism, 1937

1940s Art Deco Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Christopher SandersNude - British Art Deco drawing reclining erotic female nude portrait RA artist, circa 1940

2010s Art Deco Paintings

Artemisia Fine ArtJungle NÂ°5 - Fern - Tropical - Monkeys - Art-Deco, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 2024

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes

French Art Deco Geometric Marquetry Wood Box

1930s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Arthur (Rosenman) RossArt Deco Buick Car 1937 Design Mid-20th Century American Modern Illustration, 1937

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes

French Art Deco Geometric Metal and Wood Box, 1930s

1920s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Hammond (artist)Art Deco gouache original artwork 1937 Municipal Art School Coventry Hammond, 1937

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Reginald ShuffreyService Vehicles, 20th Century Art Deco Style Artwork

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Decorative Art

Nicolas Platon Argyriades, "Offering", Enamelled Glass Artwork, Art Deco 1920

1930s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Arthur (Rosenman) RossArt Deco Girl with Car Mid-20th Century American Modernism Pin-Up Illustration, 1936

2010s Other Art Style Paintings

Artemisia Fine ArtThe Sailor and the Mermaid NÂ°2 - Art-Deco - Summer, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 2024

1940s Art Deco Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Christopher SandersReclining Nude - British 40's art nude female portrait Royal Academician artist, circa 1940

20th Century Art Deco Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Christopher SandersStanding Nude - British 1946 exhibited art female portrait - Royal Academician, 1946

Vintage 1970s French Posters

1970 Bugatti Original Vintage Poster

1930s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Hammond (artist)Art Deco gouache original artwork 1937 Carnival Night advertising poster design, 1937

1930s American Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Arthur (Rosenman) RossAiracuda Fighter Planes Art Deco Machine Age 20th Century American Modernism , 1938

1930s American Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Arthur Rosenman RossAmerican Art Deco 20th Century Modernism Social Realism WPA Era Scene Pin-Up, 1933

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Posters

Original Vintage Soviet Travel Poster Georgian Military Highway Intourist USSR

1920s Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Hammond (artist)Art Deco gouache original artwork 1937 Shakespeare Twelfth Night programme, 1937

Early 20th Century Art Deco Landscape Paintings

GwynnRambles in the Wye Valley, Original Artwork for Book Cover, Railway Art, 1951

2010s Art Deco Abstract Paintings

Paul EmmersonThe Long View, Abstract Figurative Art, Art Deco Painting, Statement Art, 2023

Vintage 1930s American Art Nouveau Bookends

Vintage Art Nouveau “Eve” Bookends 1930s by Verona

Vintage 1960s American Posters

1969 Stan Getz & Dionne Warwick - Symphony Hall Original Vintage Poster

Early 2000s Cubist Figurative Paintings

Reza AfrookhtehArt Deco Horses , 2001

2010s Fauvist Nude Paintings

Nadezda StupinaArt Deco model, 2024

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Posters

Original Vintage Poster Shell Germany Travel Classic Car Scenic Mountain View

1990s Art Deco Prints and Multiples

1992 After Erte 'Directoire' Art Deco , 1992

1930s Art Deco Prints and Multiples

Original Art Deco lithograph from the 1930s , Circa 1930

1930s Art Deco Paintings

Gerald Mac SpinkLondon Underground Harlequin 1930s Mac Spink original Art Deco poster design, circa 1930

1930s Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Diana the Huntress, French Art Deco Artemis Bronze Sculpture, circa 1930

20th Century Other Art Style Figurative Prints

Danuta Dąbrowska-SiemaszkiewiczArt deco lady. Contemporary figurative Print, Pop art, Art deco, Polish artist, 2024

2010s Art Deco Paintings

Artemisia Fine ArtJungle Heart Beat - Two Tigers 2 - Tropical, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 2023

1920s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Harriette Nutting CooperArt Deco Flapper Illustration , 1920s

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Posters

Original Vintage Poster Stamboul Music Theatre Drama Play Istanbul Turkey Design

2010s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Jorge Ruiz-Martinez'Ava (1940s Art Deco Fashion Rendition)' art deco drawing by Jorge Ruiz-Martinez, 2021

20th Century British Posters

Scotland Anchor Line

1930s Art Deco Mixed Media

Norman Wilkinson
RHUDDLAN CASTLE, 20th Century Art-Deco (Artwork for Travel Poster), 1929

Eugene Fossey
Art Deco Antique Poster "Eugene - Ondulation Permanente" , 1926

Arthur (Rosenman) Ross
Art Deco Movie Set 20th Century American Modernism Hollywood WPA Social Realism, 1937

Christopher Sanders
Nude - British Art Deco drawing reclining erotic female nude portrait RA artist, circa 1940

Artemisia Fine Art
Jungle NÂ°5 - Fern - Tropical - Monkeys - Art-Deco, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 2024

Arthur (Rosenman) Ross
Art Deco Buick Car 1937 Design Mid-20th Century American Modern Illustration, 1937

Hammond (artist)
Art Deco gouache original artwork 1937 Municipal Art School Coventry Hammond, 1937

Reginald Shuffrey
Service Vehicles, 20th Century Art Deco Style Artwork

Arthur (Rosenman) Ross
Art Deco Girl with Car Mid-20th Century American Modernism Pin-Up Illustration, 1936

Artemisia Fine Art
The Sailor and the Mermaid NÂ°2 - Art-Deco - Summer, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 2024

Christopher Sanders
Reclining Nude - British 40's art nude female portrait Royal Academician artist, circa 1940

Christopher Sanders
Standing Nude - British 1946 exhibited art female portrait - Royal Academician, 1946

Hammond (artist)
Art Deco gouache original artwork 1937 Carnival Night advertising poster design, 1937

Arthur (Rosenman) Ross
Airacuda Fighter Planes Art Deco Machine Age 20th Century American Modernism , 1938

Arthur Rosenman Ross
American Art Deco 20th Century Modernism Social Realism WPA Era Scene Pin-Up, 1933

Hammond (artist)
Art Deco gouache original artwork 1937 Shakespeare Twelfth Night programme, 1937

Gwynn
Rambles in the Wye Valley, Original Artwork for Book Cover, Railway Art, 1951

Paul Emmerson
The Long View, Abstract Figurative Art, Art Deco Painting, Statement Art, 2023

Reza Afrookhteh
Art Deco Horses , 2001

Nadezda Stupina
Art Deco model, 2024

Gerald Mac Spink
London Underground Harlequin 1930s Mac Spink original Art Deco poster design, circa 1930

Danuta Dąbrowska-Siemaszkiewicz
Art deco lady. Contemporary figurative Print, Pop art, Art deco, Polish artist, 2024

Artemisia Fine Art
Jungle Heart Beat - Two Tigers 2 - Tropical, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 2023

Harriette Nutting Cooper
Art Deco Flapper Illustration , 1920s

Jorge Ruiz-Martinez
'Ava (1940s Art Deco Fashion Rendition)' art deco drawing by Jorge Ruiz-Martinez, 2021

Mid 20th Century French School
French Art Deco marquetry Riverside town scene , with boat, houses, hills, circa 1930

John Storrs
A Magnificent 1931 Art Deco Painting by Master Artist John Storrs, 1931

Robin Morris
NEW DECO Signed Lithograph Modern Art Deco Portrait, Black Stripe Hair, Red Lips, 1985

Leopoldo Metlicovitz
Original Impermeaili Moretti Italian art deco vintage poster, c. 1925

Artemisia Fine Art
Miss Black Knight, Mixed Media on Canvas, 2020

Artemisia Fine Art
Miss Dirty Martini, Mixed Media on Canvas, 2020

Mid 20th Century French School
20th century French art Deco Marquetry scene of a Swiss Castle, Lake landscape, circa 1930

Danuta Dąbrowska-Siemaszkiewicz
Monthlery 1931. Contemporary figurative Print, Pop art, Art deco, Polish art, 2024

R. Hoch
Düsseldorfer Bühnenball by R. Hoch, German Art Deco marionette lithograph, c. 1912

Mid 20th Century French School
20th century French art Deco Marquetry scene of the Alps, church herdsman sheep, circa 1930

Artemisia Fine Art
The Sailor and the Mermaid - Lighthouse, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 2024

Jaro Fabry
Glamorous Performer in Art Deco Black Evening Dress, Golden Age of Hollywood , circa 1930's

N. R. Brunet
Panthers in the Jungle Art Deco Carved Gilt Wood Panel by N. R. Brunet, circa 1930

Danuta Dąbrowska-Siemaszkiewicz
Hommage a Amelia... Contemporary figurative Print, Pop art, Art deco, Polish art, 2024

Philippe Petit
Philippe Petit's 1927 Art Deco poster for Clotilde & Alexandre Sakharoff Ballet, 1927

Wioletta Gancarz
Femmes, Art Deco Style Figurative Painting, Bright Contemporary Statement Art, 2021

Robin Morris
URBAN SERENADE Signed Lithograph, Woman Violinist, City Buildings Art Deco , 1988

Natalia Roman
Art Deco Pastel Mirrors, Turquoise and Pink Geometric Tiles Patterns, Symmetry , 2022