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 Bathers

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Gilbert Privat, French Art Deco Bather with Child, Terracotta Sculpture, 1920

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Posters

Original Vintage Travel Poster Lake Como Art Deco Bathers Comersee Italy Italien

1980s Art Deco Nude Sculptures

Enrique AlférezBather, 1980 - 1999

1980s Art Deco Nude Sculptures

Enrique AlférezDrying Bather, 1980 - 1999

1930s Art Deco Mixed Media

French school 20th centuryFrench Deco 20th century lake view with bathers, yachts, Circa 1930

1980s Art Deco Nude Sculptures

Enrique AlférezBather Washing Hair, 1980 - 1999

1980s Art Deco Nude Sculptures

Enrique AlférezBather with Cloth Drape, 1980 - 1999

1980s Art Deco Nude Sculptures

Enrique AlférezKneeling Bather Washing Hair, 1980 - 1999

1980s Art Deco Nude Sculptures

Enrique AlférezSeated Bather Washing Foot, 1980 - 1999

2010s Art Deco Portrait Photography

Charles LutzBather 1 (The Modern Beauty Series), 2023

2010s Art Deco Portrait Photography

Charles LutzBather 2 (The Modern Beauty Series), 2023

1920s Art Deco Landscape Prints

Paul VeraTribute to Cezanne : The Bathers - Original wooodcut, Handsigned, 1928

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Paintings

"Lifeguard and Bather, " Stylized Art Deco Beach Scene by MacGurrin, 1938

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Paintings

"Bathers at the Shore, " Art Deco Painting of Swimmers by Karfunkle

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Screens and Room Dividers

"Bathers, " Brilliant Late Art Deco Folding Screen in Pointillist Manner, 1958

1930s Art Deco Figurative Prints

John Buckland-WrightThe Bathers, Wood-Engraving Drawing Lithograph by John Buckland-Wright, 1936

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Paintings

"Above the Beach, " Art Deco Painting of Bather and Rower, Emerald & Cobalt Hues

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Paintings

"Frieze of Nude Male Figures, " Art Deco Scene of Bathers and Workers, France

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Paintings

"Nude Bather, Dominican Republic, " 1930s Tropical Scene Watercolor

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Ceramic Bathers in the Sun from Le Bertetti Turin, 1940

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Prints

"Bathers" by John E. Costigan, Original Limited Edition Signed Etching

Vintage 1930s North American Art Deco Paintings

"Nude Male Bathers, " 1930s Watercolor Painting of Nude Figures, Blue & Tan

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Paintings

"Lying on the Sand, " WPA-Era Atmospheric Beach Scene with Male & Female Bathers

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Deco Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Kneeling Bather, Just Andersen, Denmark 1930s Pewter Fluted Vide Poche #185

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Paintings

"Lost in Thought", Large Painting of Young Man and Bathers, Felix Meseck, 1938

2010s French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Art Deco style Sculpture Bathing Nude VENUS by Fayral Max Le Verrier

Early 20th Century Art Deco Figurative Prints

Louis IcartLouis Icart Etching "Badende" ( Bathers ), 1926, 1926

1930s Art Deco More Prints

Original Vintage Travel Poster Lake Como Art Deco Bathers Comersee Italy Italien, 1930s

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Art Deco Bronze Bather

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Posters

Original Antique Poster Art Deco Scarf Rene Vincent Bather Fashion Design

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Paintings

Bather with Sunshade by F. Martin-Kavel, France, Art Deco, 1920's

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Paintings

1930s Art Deco Acrylic Painting on Wood after the Large Bathers by Renoir

Vintage 1940s American Wall-mounted Sculptures

"Bather, " Art Deco porcelain rondel by Leo Lentelli, 1940

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Paintings

Three Naked Bathers By The Sea, Oil On Canvas Signed Kinder, Circa 1930

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

French Art Deco Bather Sculpture, 1930s

1920s Art Deco Landscape Prints

Charles Picart le DouxTribute to Cezanne : The Bathers (Art Deco) - Original wooodcut, 1923

1930s Art Deco Figurative Paintings

Ann HaywoodThe Bathers - British Art Deco exhibited figurative landscape watercolour silk, 1932

1920s Art Deco Portrait Paintings

Louis LatapieThe Bathers, Circa 1920s

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Paintings

"Bathers, " Art Deco Watercolor Pochoir in Yellow and Blue

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Table Lamps

Enrique Alférez
Bather, 1980 - 1999

Enrique Alférez
Drying Bather, 1980 - 1999

French school 20th century
French Deco 20th century lake view with bathers, yachts, Circa 1930

Enrique Alférez
Bather Washing Hair, 1980 - 1999

Enrique Alférez
Bather with Cloth Drape, 1980 - 1999

Enrique Alférez
Kneeling Bather Washing Hair, 1980 - 1999

Enrique Alférez
Seated Bather Washing Foot, 1980 - 1999

Charles Lutz
Bather 1 (The Modern Beauty Series), 2023

Charles Lutz
Bather 2 (The Modern Beauty Series), 2023

Paul Vera
Tribute to Cezanne : The Bathers - Original wooodcut, Handsigned, 1928

John Buckland-Wright
The Bathers, Wood-Engraving Drawing Lithograph by John Buckland-Wright, 1936

Louis Icart
Louis Icart Etching "Badende" ( Bathers ), 1926, 1926

Charles Picart le Doux
Tribute to Cezanne : The Bathers (Art Deco) - Original wooodcut, 1923

Ann Haywood
The Bathers - British Art Deco exhibited figurative landscape watercolour silk, 1932

Louis Latapie
The Bathers, Circa 1920s

John Costigan
"Bathers" by John E. Costigan, Original Limited Edition Signed Etching, Circa 1930

Rene Vincent
Original Antique Poster Art Deco Scarf Rene Vincent Bather Fashion Design, 1920s