Pair Art Nouveau Bronze Relief Wall Plaques
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of fine Art Nouveau / Jugendstyl gilt bronze relief wall plaques, with wonderful details
Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Decorative Art
Bronze
Pair Art Nouveau Bronze Relief Wall Plaques
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of fine Art Nouveau / Jugendstyl gilt bronze relief wall plaques, with wonderful details
Bronze
French Art Nouveau Polychromed Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau dark polychromed plaster horizontal wall plaque with a carved relief of a woman
Mother-of-Pearl, Glass, Plaster, Oak
Rare Art Nouveau Terracotta Wall Plaque, Early 20th Century
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Rare French Art Nouveau Terracotta Wall Plaque, Early 20th Century A beautifully detailed and rare
Brass
Austrian Art Nouveau Pottery Wall Plaque with Tubelined Floral Designs
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Austrian Art Nouveau pottery wall plaque with tubelined floral designs dating from the
Pottery
Art Nouveau Fruitwood Bat Plaque by Gabriel Viardot
By Gabriel Viardot
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Fruitwood
$2,643 / set
H 15.56 in W 3.94 in D 0.99 in
Pair of wall plaques by F Barbedienne, Art Nouveau, late 19th c
By F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in Stockholm, SE
This exquisite pair of signed bronze plaques by F. Barbedienne is a stunning example of Art Nouveau
Bronze
$18,000 / set
H 29.53 in W 20.48 in D 1.58 in
Pair of W.M.F. Plaques Signed Albert Mayer, Art Nouveau Period, Germany
By Albert Mayer, WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of W.M.F. plaques signed Albert Mayer (1867-1944). Art Nouveau period, Germany, circa 1900.
Metal
Alabaster And Marble Wall Plaque
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This an Alabaster and Marble Plaque. It depicts a long heavy hand carved alabaster plaque decorated
Alabaster, Marble
$8,000 / set
H 11.03 in W 9.06 in D 2.37 in
Pair of Painted Porcelain Plaques, Art Nouveau Period, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of painted porcelain plaques, Art nouveau period, France, late 19th century.
Porcelain
$1,950
H 7.5 in W 12 in D 0.25 in
Limoges Pate Sur Pate Porcelain Plaque, Art Nouveau, Late 19th Century
Located in Montreal, QC
A Limoges pate sur pate porcelain plaque, depicting a young girl examining a snail which in turn is
Porcelain
Bat Plaque
By Gabriel Viardot
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Fruitwood
$845 / set
H 24 in W 14.5 in D 10.25 in
Pair of large masculine Art Nouveau Bronze and Wood Wall Plaque Sconces
Located in Leesburg, VA
Anonymous Early 20th century; European Bronze and wood Approximate size: 24 (h) x 14.5 (w) x 10.25 (d) inches The present pair of handsome sconces are the perfect addition to a moo...
Bronze
$1,220 / set
H 17 in W 17 in D 1 in
WMF. A pair of brass wall plaques embossed with a lady's and gentleman's heads
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
WMF, a pair of brass wall plaques, the centres embossed with a lady's and gentleman's heads within
Brass
Wooden Carved Victorian Lady Wall Plaque, circa 1920
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Heissl. Their wood-carving art works with sculptures, wall plaques and reliefs enhance any interior
Wood
$180
H 8.25 in W 5.75 in D 1.5 in
Beautiful Earthenware Angel Wall Plaque Decoration Vintage, Austria, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful wall plaque was made in Vienna Austria. It shows the archangel Gabriel. Nice
Pottery
$300
H 6 in W 4.5 in D 1.25 in
Art Nouveau Deco Antique Silver Plated Tray or Plaque Female Figure with Bird
By Alphonse Mucha
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A romantic antique silver-plated tray or plaque in from an Art Nouveau or Deco design. Circa early
Silver Plate
$1,383Sale Price|20% Off
H 26 in W 28 in D 4 in
Heavy Bronze Relief Wall Plaque, “Sisters” by E T Wainwright 1898
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Heavy bronze relief wall plaque, “Sisters” by E T Wainwright 1898 An exceptional bronze plaque
Bronze
François-Rupert Carabin "Allegory of Wine" Painted Plaster Plaque
By François-Rupert Carabin
Located in New York, NY
This painted plaster plaque, titled "Allegory of Wine," was created by French Art Nouveau artist
Plaster, Paint
$2,606Sale Price|34% Off
H 21.07 in W 11.3 in D 4.73 in
"Porteuse d’Eau" A 19th Century French Orientalist Enamel Plaque
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
La Porteuse d’Eau (The Water Carrier), A late 19th or early 20thC French Art Nouveau enameled
Enamel
$1,368
H 22.45 in W 9.85 in D 10.24 in
German Hand Carved and Hand Painted Wood Deer Head with Antlers, Wall Plaque
Located in Barntrup, DE
mounted on a carved wooden plaque. The wooden plaque depicts green leaves and red flowers in the Art
Antler, Wood
Art Nouveau Metal and Oak Figural Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
Art Nouveau metal wall plaque featuring an image of a woman playing a harp with a natural green
Metal
$434
H 17.72 in W 12.6 in D 1.19 in
Art Nouveau Women's bust Copper Wall Plaque Wood Framed Signed Luc
By Métiers D'Art Maredsous, Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau Women's bust Copper Wall Plaque Wood Framed Signed Luc The piece is in Good condition
Copper
Polish Coat of Arms Copper Relief Plaque
Located in Savannah, GA
A vintage Polish coat of arms copper relief plaque, early 20th century. 16 ½ by 22 inches
Copper
Wallhanged Bronze plaque signed Barbedienne, Late 19th c
By F. Barbedienne Foundry
Located in Stockholm, SE
execution, this artwork is a perfect acquisition for collectors of fine bronzes, Art Nouveau pieces, or
Bronze
$2,983
H 16.15 in W 27.17 in D 6.7 in
Arts and Crafts oak desk top bookcase with 3 bronze Art Nouveau period plaques.
Located in London, GB
flowing Art Nouveau style.
Oak
$440
H 9 in W 9 in D 0.75 in
Antique Porcelain Ceramic Wall Plaque Emmeline Harris Female Nude Art Nouveau
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An exceptionally well cast English Porcelain or Ceramic Wall Plaque depicting a standing Female
Porcelain, Plaster
$1,480
H 13.5 in W 22.5 in D 1.5 in
Unusual Art Nouveau Woman, Carved Wood and Metal Pipe Holder Wall Plaque
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Art Nouveau woman, relief carved wood and metal pipe holder wall plaque. Stunning nude
Bronze
Gouda Plateelbakkerij Zuid Holland Gaberone Pattern Pottery Wall Plaque
By Gouda Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Dutch Gouda, Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland Art Deco pottery wall plate hand painted in
Pottery
19th Century Diana the Huntress Bronze Bas Relief Wall Plaque
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
19th century diana the huntress bronze bas relief wall plaque. Diana with raised bow and hunting
Bronze
Art Nouveau Majolica Wall Plaque
By Gebrüder Schütz, Blansko
Located in East Geelong, VIC
This large wall plaque is decorated with Majolica glazes to enhance the typical Art Nouveau pattern
Earthenware
Unavailable
H 24.8 in W 10.2 in D 1.1 in
Early 20th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Handcrafted Pewter Plaques with Water Bird
Located in Raalte, NL
A pair of Art Nouveau handcrafted pewter plaques depicting water birds such as a heron and probably
Pewter
Unavailable
H 3.82 in W 7.88 in D 0.79 in
Alexandre Charpentier, "Le Chant" La Sculpture", Two Art Nouveau Bronze Plaques
By Alexandre Charpentier
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Alexandre Charpentier "Le Chant", "La Sculpture" Two Art Nouveau bronze
Bronze
Cast Brass Coat of Arms Wall Mount Plaque
Located in Cookeville, TN
A mystical coat of arms is made of cast brass and mounts on your wall or would be lovely as an
Brass
Italian Pietra Dura Plaque by Giovanni Montelatici
By Giovani Montelatici
Located in Bantam, CT
A fine quality Art Noveau Pietra dura Florentine plaque "La Boheme" by Giovanni Montelatici (1864
Marble
Pair of Presumably German Late 19th Century Plaques of Oval Shape
Located in Virum, DK
A pair of presumably German late 19th century Art Nouveau plaques of oval shape decorated in sepia
Porcelain
Bronze Plaque by Dutch Sculptor Lambertus Zijl
By Lambertus Zijl
Located in Amsterdam, NL
together with his collegue Joseph Mendes da Costa Dutch sculpture art circa 1900 a new impuls. His work is
Bronze
Large KPM Porcelain Oval Plaque "Odalisque" Signed Wagner, Plaque
By Wagner Kpm
Located in Toronto, ONTARIO
A lovely hand-painted on porcelain KPM plaque signed by Wagner. The title of the portrait is
Porcelain
Art Nouveau Plaster Wall Plaque
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Nouveau plaster wall plaque with a beautiful female in the Art Nouveau style with flowing
Plaster, Mahogany
Sold
H 12 in W 20.5 in D 1 in
Pair of Austrian Art Nouveau Terracotta Wall Plaques, Signed, circa 1900
By Bernhard Bloch
Located in Petaluma, CA
These plaques are about as Art Nouveau as you'll ever see. Sinewy lines and return to nature women
Terracotta
Sold
H 15 in W 12.4 in D 1.2 in
Art Nouveau Bronze or Bronzed Wall Plaque of Lady Mourning by a Grave circa 1900
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautifully executed but tragic at the same time. This rare and very well made Art Nouveau work
Metal, Bronze
Carved French Art Nouveau Hunt Plaque, Circa 1920
Located in Dallas, TX
, Entretiens sur l’architecture, which ushered in a new style known as Art Nouveau. Art Nouveau was inspired
Wood
Art Nouveau Plaster Wall Placque
Located in Los Angeles, CA
ART NOUVEAU PLASTER WALL PLAQUE FEATURING A BEAUTIFUL FEMALE WITH CHARACTERISTIC ART NOUVEAU
Plaster
Sold
H 19.5 in W 10.5 in D 0.5 in
Pair of Mid Century "Spring and Autumn" Framed Art Nouveau Plaques, c.1960
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of mid century "Spring and Autumn" framed Art Nouveau plaques, c.1960 Elegant Art Nouveau
Composition
Sold
H 14.97 in W 12.41 in D 1.19 in
Art Nouveau Bronze or Bronzed Plaque of a Lady Mourning by a Grave, circa 1900
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautifully executed but tragic at the same time. This rare and very well made Art Nouveau work
Bronze, Metal
Pair of Art Nouveau Gilt Bronze Plaques by Franz Xaver Bergmann
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau gilt bronze plaques with high-relief classical themes, depicting Diana the huntress in
Bronze
Pair of Limoges Art Nouveau Painted Porcelain Plaques
By T&V Limoges
Located in Dallas, TX
Nouveau ladies are floating like sublime nymphs in a dream. These would look amazing in an Art Deco
Porcelain
Sold
H 20.5 in W 14.5 in D 1.63 in
Rare Art Nouveau Painted Porcelain Mettlach Plaque by Villeroy & Boch
By Villeroy & Boch, Mettlach, Christian Warth
Located in Shippensburg, PA
ceramics. Warth's art is distinct and lively, typical to the Art Nouveau sentiment with a sense of the
Porcelain
Early 20th Century French Copper Relief Plaque
Located in Burton, TX
Art Nouveau style. The piece is characterized by its flowing lines and natural motifs, depicting a
Copper
Sold
H 11.23 in W 6.7 in D 0.2 in
Antique Horticultural Prize Plaque, Bronze, Hamo Thornycroft, Toogood, 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique horticultural prize plaque. An English, bronze plate by the sculptor Hamo
Bronze
Limoges Enameled Plaque in Amazing Gilt Bronze Frame, circa 1900
By Limoges
Located in Dallas, TX
Limoges enameled plaque in excellent gilt bronze frame, plaque depicting a neoclassical woman
Enamel
Gilt Art Nouveau Style Cast Wall Plaque Sculpture
Located in Sheffield, MA
The gilt cast wall sculpture is in the Art Nouveau style with intertwining, symmetrically placed
Plaster
Wall Plaque, Anonymous, Denmark, 1897
Located in Stockholm, SE
Wall plaque, anonymous, Denmark, 1897. Patinated bronze. Measures: H 48 cm/ 18 7/8'' W 43 cm
Bronze
Sold
H 12.21 in W 15.75 in D 1.58 in
Art Nouveau Symbolist Hand Painted Porcelain Plaque "Eve and the Snake"
By Franz von Stuck
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An Art Nouveau symbolist hand painted Limoges Porcelain plaque "Eve and the Snake" After the
Porcelain
French Bronze Angel, Wall Plaque after Dumaige, 1838
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French bronze angel, wall plaque after Dumaige, 1838 A beautiful large cast bronze wall hanging
Bronze
Sold
H 12 in W 9.5 in D 1 in
KPM Porcelain Portrait Plaque of Mary Magdalene, Berlin, Late 19th Century
By KPM Porcelain
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A late 19th century KPM portrait plaque of Mary Magdalene with impressed Scepter Mark and KPM Mark
Porcelain, Wood
Sold
H 1.5 in W 10.4 in D 10.4 in
Art Deco Copper Wall Plaques from the Métiers D'art at the Maredsous Abbey
By Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti, Métiers D'Art Maredsous
Located in Verviers, BE
The piece is in excellent condition and a real beauty! About Métiers D'Art Maredsous Abbey
Sold
H 18 in W 14.5 in D 1 in
Early 1900 Heavy Art Nouveau Bronze Wall Plaque of Jesus - Christ by Hautfenne
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and sizeable Art Nouveau religious plaque. This heavy and high quality bronze wall plaque
Bronze
Sold
H 18.5 in W 22.5 in D 1.5 in
Early 1900 Large Art Nouveau Bronze Wall Plaque the Pieta' by Sylvain Norga
By Sylvain Norga
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and heavy Art Deco bronze of the pieta by Silvain Norga This large bronze wall plaque
Bronze
Sold
H 18.5 in W 22.3 in D 2 in
Large Early 1900 Art Nouveau Bronze Wall Plaque the Pieta' by Sylvain Norga
By Sylvain Norga
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and heavy Art Deco bronze wall sculpture of the pieta by Silvain Norga This large bronze
Bronze
19th Century Diana the Huntress Bronze Bas Relief Wall Plaque
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
19th century diana the huntress bronze bas relief wall plaque. Diana with raised bow and hunting
Bronze
Large Antique Continental Majolica Wall Plaque of Pears on Vine
By Fives-Lille
Located in New Orleans, LA
A stunning Large French majolica wall platter, late 19th century, with high relief decoration of
Majolica
Rozenburg Den Haag Art Nouveau Art Pottery Dish, 1899-1914
By Rozenburg Porcelain
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning Dutch Art Nouveau earthenware dish or wall plaque decorated with trailing floral blooms
Pottery
K Heldrich German Jugendstil Hand Painted Art Pottery Plaque, Dated 1897
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning German Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) hand painted pottery wall plaque or charger by K
Pottery
French Art Nouveau Silver Tray-Wall Plaque
Located in Fairfax, VA
Silver on pewter French Art Nouveau wall plaque or tray depicting a woman holding flower.
Pewter
Stunning Art Nouveau Plaque of Peace
Located in Woodbury, CT
This stunning and large Art Nouveau plaque depicts a woman with roses and Palm leaf, symbolizing
Pair Of Art Nouveau Silver Plated Wall Plaques
Located in Middleburg, VA
Wonderful pair of Art Nouveau silver plate on Brittania metal wall plaques - the first depicts a
Silver Plate, Britannia Standard Silver
Art Nouveau Period Mirror With Savoy Hotel Paris Plaque
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fine, ornate cast bronze/brass Art Nouveau frame with beveled mirror and cast plaque of Hotel Savoy
Republique Francaise Tole Plaque
Located in Hudson, NY
Republique Francaise (RF) tole plaque used on official French buildings and in this case from a
Tôle
Enameled Plaque, "Kabarett Fledermaus" by Josef Diveky, circa 1910
By Josef V. Diveky
Located in Vienna, AT
and Eduard Wimmer-Wisgrill. This plaque was probably executed around 1910 by the Wiener Werkstatte
Copper, Enamel
Sold
H 26.38 in W 14.97 in D 0.79 in
Antique Ernst Wahliss Ceramic Plaque St Johannes Baptista Turn Wein
By Ernst Wahliss
Located in London, GB
Rare Ernst Wahliss 1837-1900, ceramic bas relief plaque. This dates to the early Art Nouveau
Plaster
KPM Pair of Plaques Signed by Wagner Original Frames, circa 1890
Located in Redding, CA
Kpm plaques in original frames signed Wagner, exceptional painting and Subject.
Porcelain
Majolica Art Nouveau Advertising Wall Plaque
Located in Middleburg, VA
Fabulous RARE Belgiun Art Nouveau Majokica Advertising Wall Plaque. A great piece to add to a
$13,794 / item
H 33.08 in W 115.36 in D 61.82 in
1950's Style Curved Velvet Sofa in Custom Velvet Colors
Located in NEW YORK, NY
The Sofa inspires itself nature where green is the predominant element and where valleys and hills prevail. The item’s details allow it to be the perfect statement piece for any cont...
Velvet, Walnut
$26,256Sale Price|20% Off
H 45 in W 33 in D 1 in
Fine 19th Century French Symbolist Oil Painting Portrait of Mythological Queen
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Queen by Diogène Ulysse Napoléon Maillart (French, 1840 – 1926) *see notes below oil painting on canvas, framed canvas: 42 x 30 inches framed: 45 x 33 inches condition: overall v...
Canvas, Oil
Antique Art Nouveau 8-Lobed Glass Perfume Bottle with Silver Overlay c.1895
Located in Louisville, KY
This stunningly designed Art Nouveau piece is nothing short of spectacular and is comprised of sterling silver overlay that wraps a hand blown 8-lobed glass bottle, used for perfumes...
Sterling Silver
Majolica Dragonfly Wall Pocket Fives Lille, circa 1900
By Fives-Lille
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica dragonfly wall pocket by Fives Lille, circa 1900.
Ceramic
$3,495
H 90 in W 61.25 in D 23.5 in
19th-C. French Art Nouveau Carved Oak Floral China Cabinet / Sideboard / Hutch
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 19th century French carved oak Art Nouveau china cabinet. It has wonderful sinewy foliage and flowers framing the sides with a repeat theme on the door fronts and pedi...
Glass, Mirror, Oak
$2,819
H 10.75 in W 5.25 in D 4.4 in
Striking Art Nouveau Ceramic and Bronze-Mounted Vase in Victor Horta Style
By Victor Horta
Located in Lisse, NL
Top condition and pure elegance Art Nouveau vase. For the collectors of museum quality and condition Art Nouveau ceramics. This stunning Art Nouveau vase is decorated with the mos...
Bronze
$13,509 / item
H 49.22 in Dm 70.87 in
Brass and Parchment Paper Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Impressive chandelier made of white enameled brass arms holding six beautiful parchment paper shades, which can be adjusted thanks to the handle of each socket. Signed by the arti...
Brass
19th French Majolica Pink Daisy Plate Delphin Massier
By Delphin Massier
Located in Austin, TX
19th French Majolica Pink Daisy Plate Delphin Massier.
Ceramic
Emile Galle Marquetry Two Tiered Walnut and Fruitwood Table
By Émile Gallé
Located in Dallas, TX
Emile Galle (1846-1904) Two-Tiered Table Circa 1900 Émile Gallé French Walnut and Fruitwood Marquetry Two-Tiered Pedestal table. This Art Nouveau classic two tiered French walnut p...
Walnut, Fruitwood
$6,500 / set
H 14.75 in W 6.75 in D 6.75 in
Fine 19th Century French Neo-Gothic Gilt Metal Cathedral Church Reliquary Pair
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning pair of very fine quality French Neo-Gothic gilt metal church reliquaries. circa 1860s Most impressive objets d’art, born in France in the second half of the 19th century...
Brass, Bronze
Rene Lalique Glass L'elegance Perfume Bottle
By René Lalique
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Rene Lalique clear and frosted glass L'elegance perfume bottle. This pattern features two dancing female figures amongst flowers. Sepia stained relief details. Moulded, 'R. LALIQUE' ...
Glass
$1,950
H 65.75 in W 50.79 in D 24.02 in
Antique dressing table from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, France.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique dressing table from around 1900, France. Furniture in very good condition, after professional renovation. Dimensions: height 167 cm / width 129 cm / depth 61 cm
Marble
$3,051
H 53.15 in W 49.22 in D 11.82 in
Art Deco Spectacular Clove Display Vitrine Cabinet, English, c1930s
Located in Devon, England
Fabulous, original 1930s Art Deco display vitrine cabinet. Very unusual shape of which we haven't had before. This cabinet features a generously sized interior display area for your ...
Glass, Walnut
Antique Art Nouveau Photo Album or Book with Brass Stand Up Frame
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique standing photo album is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from France and date to approximately 1900 and done in the period Art Nouveau style. The album is compo...
Brass
$2,640Sale Price|20% Off
H 14.5 in W 4.5 in D 4.5 in
Monumental Antique Art Nouveau Andre Delatte Cameo Glass Vase
By Andre Delatte
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Monumental Antique Art Nouveau Andre Delatte Cameo Glass Vase
Art Glass
$17,386 / set
H 40.56 in W 18.12 in D 18.12 in
Josef Hoffmann attr. Pair of Extraordinary Chairs 1905-10 Jugendstil Art Nouveau
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of extraordinary chairs in the style of the early Josef Hoffmann furniture. The significant skids were used by Hoffmann in the early years of the Wiener Werkstätte from 1903 o...
Fabric, Wood
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.
An empty wall in your home is a blank canvas, and that’s good news. Whether you’ve chosen to arrange a collage of paintings in a hallway or carefully position a handful of wall-mounted sculptures in your dining room, there are a lot of options for beautifying your space with the antique and vintage wall decor and decorations available on 1stDibs.
If you’re seeking inspiration for your wall decor, we’ve got some ideas (and we can show you how to arrange wall art, too).
“I recommend leaving enough space above the piece of furniture to allow for usable workspace and to protect the art from other items damaging it,” says Susana Simonpietri, of Brooklyn home design studio Chango & Co.
Hanging a single attention-grabbing large-scale print or poster over your bar or bar cart can prove intoxicating, but the maximalist approach of a salon-style hang, a practice rooted in 17th-century France, can help showcase works of various shapes, styles and sizes on a single wall or part of a wall.
If you’re planning on creating an accent wall — or just aiming to bring a variety of colors and textures into a bedroom — there is more than one way to decorate with wallpaper. Otherwise, don’t overlook what textiles can introduce to a space. A vintage tapestry can work wonders and will be easy to move when you’ve found that dream apartment in another borough.
Express your taste and personality with the right ornamental touch for the walls of your home or office — find a range of contemporary art, vintage photography, paintings and other wall decor and decorations on 1stDibs now.