Question 1

Where did Art Nouveau originate?

Accepted Answer

Art Nouveau originated in France and Great Britain, but variants materialized elsewhere. The visual vocabulary of Art Nouveau was particularly influenced by the soft colors and abstract images of nature as portrayed 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 other modes of art and design in the East Asian country. 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 versions. Explore a selection of Art Nouveau furniture, jewelry and art on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is Art Nouveau jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Art Nouveau jewelry generally featured three main themes: flora, fauna and women. The Art Nouveau movement lasted 15 years and it reached its pinnacle in the year 1900. Art Nouveau jewelers used every “canvas” imaginable, looking beyond brooches and necklaces to belt buckles, fans, tiaras, dog collars (a type of choker necklace), pocket watches, corsages and hair combs. Multicolored gems and enamel could complete this vision better than diamonds. Enameling is most often associated with Art Nouveau jewelry, specifically plique-à-jour. Known as backless enamel, plique-à-jour allows light to come through the rear of the enamel because there is no metal backing. It creates an effect of translucence and lightness. Shop a collection of antique and vintage Art Nouveau jewelry from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

Why did Art Nouveau end?

Accepted Answer

Art Nouveau ended primarily due to world events. When World War I broke out in 1914, artistic production was largely halted in order to free up materials for manufacturing equipment for the war effort. By the time the 1919 Treaty of Versailles brought about the end of the war, interest in Art Nouveau had waned. Designers and artists became interested in new forms and styles, such as Art Deco. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Art Nouveau furniture, decorative objects, jewelry and art.

Question 4

What is Art Nouveau furniture?

Accepted Answer

Art Nouveau furniture was a style of furniture that emerged at the end of the 19th century and was characterized by its complex curved lines. The curved details in the furniture were typically carved by hand and finished with lacquer. The unmistakable gloss that is associated with Art Nouveau comes from the thick coat of varnish applied to the furniture as the final step of the production process.

Question 5

What was Art Nouveau influenced by?

Accepted Answer

Art Nouveau was influenced by a few things. The soft colors and abstract images of nature seen in Japanese woodblock prints, which arrived in large numbers in the West after open trade was forced upon Japan in the 1860s, were a major source of inspiration. Also, Pre-Raphaelite art and the Arts and Crafts and Rococo styles had an influence on Art Nouveau designers. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Art Nouveau furniture and decorative objects.

Question 6

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 7

How do I identify Art Nouveau jewelry?

Accepted Answer

To identify Art Nouveau jewelry, first consider its overall shape and themes. Flora, fauna and female figures were the three main themes in Art Nouveau jewelry. Winged creatures, such as insects and birds, were also popular subjects. Next, examine the materials and techniques. Art Nouveau jewelers distinguished themselves from their predecessors through the use of their unorthodox materials and methods. Prior to the 20th century, artisans working with jewelry prioritized precious metals and diamonds. This was not true for Art Nouveau creators. Enameling is most often associated with Art Nouveau jewelry, specifically plique-à-jour. Known as backless enamel, plique-à-jour allows light to come through the rear of the enamel because there is no metal backing. It creates an effect of translucence and lightness. Art Nouveau jewelers also favored pearls, particularly baroque pearls, for their large size and irregular shape. However, opal was the most popular stone, and Art Nouveau jewelry was primarily set in yellow gold. If you need more help identifying your jewelry, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can assist you. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Art Nouveau jewelry.

Question 8

What did Alphonse Mucha do for Art Nouveau?

Accepted Answer

Alphonse Mucha was a Czech painter who is one of the originators of the Art Nouveau style. His style of painting and design rose in popularity in 1895 and he produced many works, including illustrations, posters and jewelry designs. Find a variety of Alphonso Mucha art and prints on 1stDibs.

Question 9

Who started the Art Nouveau movement?

Accepted Answer

No one person created the Art Nouveau movement. However, the term debuted in an 1884 article in the L'Art Moderne journal, describing the work of a collective of artists known as Les XX. As a result, some people credit the group and its founding members, James Ensor and Théo van Rysselberghe, as helping to define the movement. However, Art Nouveau was heavily informed by work that came before, including Rococo design, Pre-Raphaelite art, Japanese art and the Arts and Crafts movement. Beyond Les XX, a number of creators helped to propel the movement. Among them were Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Louis Majorelle, Émile Gallé, Antoni Gaudí and Tiffany Studios. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Art Nouveau furniture and decorative objects.

Question 10

Is stained glass Art Nouveau?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some stained glass is Art Nouveau. It was during this period that Louis Comfort Tiffany produced his famed stained glass windows and decorative objects. However, the tradition of producing stained glass traces all the way back to the Gothic period. You'll find a selection of stained glass on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What materials were used in Art Nouveau?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How do you identify Art Nouveau furniture?

Accepted Answer

To identify Art Nouveau furniture, first try to locate a maker's mark on the piece. You can then use it to research the maker with the help of information published in trusted online resources. Some makers, such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Louis Majorelle and Émile Gallé, are well-known for their Art Nouveau furnishings. If you determine that a maker identified with Art Nouveau produced your piece, it likely reflects the movement's characteristics, especially if it was made during the late 19th or early 20th centuries. You can also look for common features of Art Nouveau furniture, such as 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 and the use of hardwoods such as oak, mahogany and rosewood. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can aid you with the identification process. Shop a diverse assortment of Art Nouveau furniture on 1stDibs.

Art Nouveau Butter

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Sterling Silver

German Silver Butter Dish and Covered Bowl Tureen in Art Nouveau Style

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Vintage Art Nouveau Silver Plated Covered Butter Dish w/ Glass Liner by Pilgrim

Vintage 1910s Austrian Art Nouveau Ceramics

Set for two butter box dish & two plates, fish, Art Nouveau ceramic 1910 Austria

2010s Realist Still-life Paintings

Olga Antonova"Art Nouveau Vase with Butterfly" Vase on Lavender/Blue Ground with Gold/Silver, 2023

20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Tableware

Georg Jensen Continental Butter Knife 046

Vintage 1910s Austrian Art Nouveau Tableware

Breakfast Set for Butter by Argentor

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Platters and Serveware

German Majolica Swallow Butter Pat, circa 1900

20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Tableware

Georg Jensen Beaded Sterling Silver Butter Knife 046

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Glass

Polished Tudric Pewter Butter Dish For Liberty & Co c1900

Vintage 1920s European Art Nouveau Tableware

Rare Georg Jensen Sterling Silver 1925 Butter Spreader

Antique Late 19th Century American Art Nouveau Silver Bowls

Sterling Silver Repousse Butter Pat by S. Kirk & Son

20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Tableware

Georg Jensen Beaded Sterling Silver Master Butter Spreader 211

Vintage 1920s Danish Art Nouveau Tableware

Early Georg Jensen Lily of the Valley Fruit / Butter Knife in Solid Silver

Vintage 1910s Danish Art Nouveau Tableware

Eight Early Georg Jensen Lily of the Valley Fruit / Butter Knives in Silver

Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Tableware

Sterling Antique Butter Knife

Vintage 1940s Danish Art Nouveau Tableware

Art Nouveau Deco Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Pyramid Pair of Butter Knives

Vintage 1940s Danish Art Nouveau Tableware

Art Nouveau Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Cactus Pattern Set 8 Butter Knives

Vintage 1930s Danish Art Nouveau Tableware

Georg Jensen Ornamental Butter Knife # 42

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Platters and Serveware

French Majolica Flower Butter Pat, circa 1900

Vintage 1960s Danish Art Nouveau Porcelain

12 Pieces, Royal Copenhagen Blue Fan, Butter Pads

Vintage 1970s Danish Art Nouveau Porcelain

28 Plates, Royal Copenhagen Blue Fan, Bread and Butter Plates

Vintage 1950s Hungarian Art Nouveau Serving Pieces

Herend Porcelain Butter Dish with Ivy Pattern from the 1950s

Antique 1880s American Art Nouveau Sterling Silver

Chrysanthemum by Tiffany & Co, Sterling Silver Butter Dome or Dish

Vintage 1920s Danish Art Nouveau Tableware

Evald Nielsen number 3, butter spoon / small sauce spoon in hammered all silver

Antique 1890s English Art Nouveau Sterling Silver

Art Nouveau Victorian Sterling Silver Butter Dish, James Dixon & Sons, 1895

Antique Early 1900s English Art Nouveau Pottery

Bessie Newbery for Doulton Lambeth Floral Pattern Art Pottery Butter Dish

Antique 1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Brooches

Austro-Hungarian Plique-a-Jour Butterly Brooch

Early 20th Century British Art Nouveau More Dining and Entertaining

Art Nouveau Pewter Butter Dish with Maiden Motif attributed to Kate Harris

Mid-20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Serving Pieces

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Ornamental Butter Knife

Mid-20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Creamer/Butter Pitcher #181

Early 20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Viking Butter Knife #046

Vintage 1920s Danish Art Nouveau Sheffield and Silverplate

Set of Six Georg Jensen Butter Plates 428A

Art Nouveau Butter For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much is a Art Nouveau Butter?

Olga Antonova
"Art Nouveau Vase with Butterfly" Vase on Lavender/Blue Ground with Gold/Silver, 2023