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

What is the Art Institute of Chicago famous for?

Accepted Answer

The Art Institute of Chicago is famous for being one of the largest and oldest art museums in the U.S. It is also home to an art college, which boasts an impressive roster of well-known alumni that includes Jeff Koons, Ivan Albright, Thomas Hart Benton, Sanford Biggers and Joan Mitchell, among many others. The museum has in its collections many famous works, such as Edward Hopper's Nighthawks, Pablo Picasso's The Old Guitarist, Grant Wood's American Gothic, Georges Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, El Greco's The Assumption of the Virgin, Georgia O'Keeffe's Sky Above the Clouds IV, Diego Rivera's Portrait of Marevna and Mary Cassatt's The Child's Bath. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of fine art.

Question 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Art Deco Chicago

1930s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Alexander Raymond KatzWorld's Fair 1934 (Chicago), Art Deco Drawing by A. Raymond Katz, 1934

20th Century Art Deco Paintings

ErtéMartha, Act I (Chicago Opera), 1925, 1923

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Vanities

Art Deco Widdicomb Chicago Worlds Fair Illuminated Vanity

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco More Rings

Unisex Art Deco Hand Constructed Ring with Gold Inset from Chicago Business 1939

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Pair of Solid Bronze Architectural Art Deco Figures From a Chicago Balcony c1925

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Books

Women And Art Contested Territory by Judy Chicago 1st Ed 1999 Hardcover Book

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Abstract Sculptures

Bulldog Cigar Ashtray, 1940, Chicago. Usa

2010s North American Art Deco Drop Earrings

19.12 Cttw Vintage Style Sapphire and Diamond Drop Dangle Earrings in 18K Gold

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Drawings

Original Etching by AC Webb Paris of Mather Tower Chicago

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Drawings

Original Etching by AC Webb of Chicago Skyline in 1930

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Paintings

"Night Skaters, " Vivid Genre Painting of Ice Skating in 1940s Chicago

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Fashion Rings

Scarab Lapis Lazuli Ring 18K Yellow Gold

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Historical Memorabilia

1933 - A Century of Progress - Chicago Worlds Fair Solid Etched Copper Tray

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Fashion Rings

Multicolor Gemstone and Diamond Dia De Los Muertos Style Ring in Two-Tone Gold

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Globes

Vintage 1930 Magnus Reversible Globe by the Prouty Branch Company of Chicago

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

J. Milhening Inc. Star Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Chicago, American, circa 1935

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants

Beardslee of Chicago 5 Slip Shade Fixture, circa 1934, 2 Available

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Shultz Two Tone Gold made for C.D. Peacock in Chicago Hand Made from 1930's

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Flush Mount

Rare Art Deco Three-Tier Starburst Gilt Bronze Flush Mount Chandelier

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces

Art Deco Skyscraper Style Three-Tier Frosted Glass and Polished Aluminum Sconces

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Art Deco Nude Bronze Attributed to Emory Seidel

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Art Deco Pillows and Throws

Cushion / Pillow Chicago Purple Art Deco by Evolution21

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Games

Pinball Slot Machine Sportsman Hunting by Jennings in Art Deco Style from 1935

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Architectural Models

Federal Building model, 1933 Century of Progress Exhibition, Chicago

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Paintings

1930's Chicago Guest Book with over 20 Botanical Paintings

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Architectural Models

Travel and Transportation Building Model, 1933 Century of Progress, Chicago

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Cabinets

Starbust Ebony Macassar Chevron Accent Cabinet Chicago Version by Lee Weitzman

1930s Art Deco Figurative Prints

Charles TurzakLoop Alley (Chicago), 1939

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Art Deco diamond watch, Chicago, United States, circa 1930.

1920s Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Art Deco Panels, Six Feet Tall, Circa 1920 - 1930

Vintage 1930s Ashtrays

Original Art Deco Bakelite and Copper Saturn Ashtray, Chicago

20th Century Flush Mount

Art Deco Flushmount Fixture from a Chicago Movie Theatre

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Table Lamps

1940s Art Deco Banker Desk Lamp Patinated Metal Globe Specialty Co. Chicago

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

1930s Art Deco Table Clock Marble Stone Brass by Hammond CO Chicago IL

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Custom Cabinet Company of Chicago Deco Coffee Table

Vintage 1930s North American Art Deco Benches

Art Deco Ornate Cast Iron Bench by Oscar Bach

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Wingback Chairs

Art Deco Style High Wingback Lounge Chair from John M. Smyth Company Chicago

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Stairs

Cast Iron Chicago Gym Step

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Globes

Telescoping Adjustable World Globe by Rand McNally, Chicago

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Alexander Raymond Katz
World's Fair 1934 (Chicago), Art Deco Drawing by A. Raymond Katz, 1934

Erté
Martha, Act I (Chicago Opera), 1925, 1923

Charles Turzak
Loop Alley (Chicago), 1939

Nura Ulreich
'Peggy and Dot', Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, Art Students League, Smithsonian, 1943