Skip to main content

Art Nouveau Marble Bust

to
16
81
61
99
71
55
36
19
16
5
5
2
2
1
1
1
1
9
8
4
4
3
Sort By
French Art Nouveau Period Marble Bust of Female Beauty
French Art Nouveau Period Marble Bust of Female Beauty

French Art Nouveau Period Marble Bust of Female Beauty

Located in New York, NY

French Art Nouveau Marble Bust of Female Beauty. Signed Proff Mattey.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble

French Art Nouveau Alabaster Bust of Young Lady, Marble Base, ca. 1900
French Art Nouveau Alabaster Bust of Young Lady, Marble Base, ca. 1900

French Art Nouveau Alabaster Bust of Young Lady, Marble Base, ca. 1900

Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR

French Art Nouveau Alabaster and Marble Bust of a Young Lady, France, ca. 1900 A beautiful French

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

Art Nouveau Woman Sculpture or Bust
Art Nouveau Woman Sculpture or Bust

Art Nouveau Woman Sculpture or Bust

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

Beautiful alabaster sculpture of an Art Nouveau lady resting on a marble plinth. Signed R. Schoggi.

Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

Art Nouveau style Brown Patinated Bronze Bust of Boy
Art Nouveau style Brown Patinated Bronze Bust of Boy

Art Nouveau style Brown Patinated Bronze Bust of Boy

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

This Art Nouveau style bronze bust is a brown patinated figurative sculpture. It represents a young

Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Art Nouveau Patinated Porcelain Bust of Victorian Girl on Marble Base
Art Nouveau Patinated Porcelain Bust of Victorian Girl on Marble Base

Art Nouveau Patinated Porcelain Bust of Victorian Girl on Marble Base

By Alfred Stellmacher

Located in Andernach, DE

An exquisite piece of art by an unknown artist, this original made possibly by or after Alfred

Category

Vintage 1920s German Victorian Busts

Materials

Marble

Art Nouveau Bust Sculpture, Hand-Carved White Marble, Italian, 1890
Art Nouveau Bust Sculpture, Hand-Carved White Marble, Italian, 1890

Art Nouveau Bust Sculpture, Hand-Carved White Marble, Italian, 1890

Located in Douglas Manor, NY

Hand curved Art Nouveau white marble bust of a young woman. Her elaborate hat framing a beautiful

Category

Antique 1890s Italian Busts

Materials

Alabaster

Paul GASQ - Large French Art Nouveau Diane/Artemis Bronze Bust, 1900
Paul GASQ - Large French Art Nouveau Diane/Artemis Bronze Bust, 1900

Paul GASQ - Large French Art Nouveau Diane/Artemis Bronze Bust, 1900

By Paul Gasq

Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR

Large French Art Nouveau Bronze Bust Sculpture of Diane / Artemis by Paul Gasq (1860–1944), France

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Nouveau Bronze Bust On Marble Base of Lady Signed J. Garnier
French Nouveau Bronze Bust On Marble Base of Lady Signed J. Garnier

French Nouveau Bronze Bust On Marble Base of Lady Signed J. Garnier

By Jean Garnier

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Dimensions - H: 6 1/2in W: 3 1/4in D: 2 3/4in This French Nouveau Style Bronze Bust On Marble

Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Art Nouveau Bust of a Young Lady Sculpture 1900 Latour
Art Nouveau Bust of a Young Lady Sculpture 1900 Latour

Art Nouveau Bust of a Young Lady Sculpture 1900 Latour

Located in Berlin, DE

-Art Nouveau bust - Alabasta with marble pedestal - Signed latour - Good condition

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Alabaster

Art Nouveau Bronze Sculpture “Bust of a Woman” by Cesare Ceribelli
Art Nouveau Bronze Sculpture “Bust of a Woman” by Cesare Ceribelli

Art Nouveau Bronze Sculpture “Bust of a Woman” by Cesare Ceribelli

By Cesar Constantino Ceribelli

Located in Shippensburg, PA

CESARE CONSTANTINO CERIBELLI Italian, 1841-1918 "Bust of a Young Woman" Polychromed and

Category

20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Art Nouveau Sculpture Bronze Figurine, Bust of a Boy, Signed A. Moreau
Art Nouveau Sculpture Bronze Figurine, Bust of a Boy, Signed A. Moreau

Art Nouveau Sculpture Bronze Figurine, Bust of a Boy, Signed A. Moreau

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Add elegance and charm to your interior with this Art Nouveau bronze bust of a boy, signed by the

Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Cleopatra Art Nouveau bronze bust woman with snake by Isidore De Rudder
Cleopatra Art Nouveau bronze bust woman with snake by Isidore De Rudder

Cleopatra Art Nouveau bronze bust woman with snake by Isidore De Rudder

By Isidore De Rudder

Located in Antwerp, BE

Cleopatra, Art Nouveau bronze bust woman with snake by Isidore De Rudder With foundry seal Luppens

Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Bust Entitled "Bohémienne" by Emmanuel Villanis
19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Bust Entitled "Bohémienne" by Emmanuel Villanis

19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Bust Entitled "Bohémienne" by Emmanuel Villanis

By Emmanuel Villanis

Located in London, GB

Captivating late 19th century French bronze bust of a beautiful woman, enhanced by the variegated

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Sculpture in bronze and marble base, Art Nouveau period, circa 1900.
Sculpture in bronze and marble base, Art Nouveau period, circa 1900.

Sculpture in bronze and marble base, Art Nouveau period, circa 1900.

By Emmanuel Villanis

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Sculpture by Emmanuel Villanis in bronze and marble base, Art Nouveau period, circa 1900. H: 40cm

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Emmanuel Villanis Style Art Nouveau French Virgin Mary Sculpture w/ Marble Base
Emmanuel Villanis Style Art Nouveau French Virgin Mary Sculpture w/ Marble Base

Emmanuel Villanis Style Art Nouveau French Virgin Mary Sculpture w/ Marble Base

By Emmanuel Villanis

Located in Van Nuys, CA

grace reminiscent of the virgin saint in an Art Nouveau style. Resting on a polished black marble plinth

Category

Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Early 20th century Marble Women Bust Signed Hillebrand, 1900s
Early 20th century Marble Women Bust Signed Hillebrand, 1900s

Early 20th century Marble Women Bust Signed Hillebrand, 1900s

By Hillebrand

Located in LEGNY, FR

Superb carved marble bust depicting a young woman with delicate features, characteristic of the Art

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble

Lady Bust, White Marble Signed Waldo Story, Rome 1894
Lady Bust, White Marble Signed Waldo Story, Rome 1894

Lady Bust, White Marble Signed Waldo Story, Rome 1894

By Thomas Waldo Story

Located in MARSEILLE, FR

Large white marble bust of a noble lady: the facial features are fine, the hair up in a bun, the

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble

Maurice Bouval "Woman with Iris" Gilt Bronze & Marble Bust
Maurice Bouval "Woman with Iris" Gilt Bronze & Marble Bust

Maurice Bouval "Woman with Iris" Gilt Bronze & Marble Bust

By Maurice Bouval

Located in New York, NY

, Alastair. Art Nouveau Sculpture. United States: New York, 1978, p 48 V. Arwas, Art Nouveau, The French

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Bust, Sculpture of a Woman in White Carrara Marble, Circa 1900.
Bust, Sculpture of a Woman in White Carrara Marble, Circa 1900.

Bust, Sculpture of a Woman in White Carrara Marble, Circa 1900.

By Adolfo Cipriani

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Sculpture of a bust of a young woman in white Carrara marble by Adolfo Cipriani, circa 1900, Art

Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble

Bust of a young woman in Carrara marble, 19th century
Bust of a young woman in Carrara marble, 19th century

Bust of a young woman in Carrara marble, 19th century

Located in Paris, FR

Direct carving of a portrait of a smiling young woman in white Carrara marble from the Art Nouveau

Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble

Carrara Marble Bust Sculpture Signed H. Moreau, France, circa 1890
Carrara Marble Bust Sculpture Signed H. Moreau, France, circa 1890

Carrara Marble Bust Sculpture Signed H. Moreau, France, circa 1890

By Hippolyte François Moreau

Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires

Carrara marble bust sculpture signed H. Moreau, France, circa 1890.

Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble

19th Century Bust of a Young Lady in White Marble by Flli Romanelli
19th Century Bust of a Young Lady in White Marble by Flli Romanelli

19th Century Bust of a Young Lady in White Marble by Flli Romanelli

Located in NICE, FR

to a great visual impact. This bust was hand-sculpted in Italy and is a work of art belonging to the

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble

1940s Alabaster Bust Of A Young Woman On A Marble Base
1940s Alabaster Bust Of A Young Woman On A Marble Base

1940s Alabaster Bust Of A Young Woman On A Marble Base

Located in Tarrytown, NY

1940s Art Nouveau Style Bust Of A Young Woman On A Marble Base The sheaf of wheat represents

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Alabaster

Italian Modern Bronze Bust
Italian Modern Bronze Bust

Italian Modern Bronze Bust

Located in Houston, TX

Italian Modern Bronze Bust. Offered is a lovely large Italian modern bronze bust on a marble base

Category

20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Pair of Art Nouveau Bronze Sculptures by Van Der Straeten, circa 1900.
Pair of Art Nouveau Bronze Sculptures by Van Der Straeten, circa 1900.

Pair of Art Nouveau Bronze Sculptures by Van Der Straeten, circa 1900.

By Georges Van der Straeten

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Pair of Art Nouveau bronze sculptures by Van Der Straeten, circa 1900. Pair of Art Nouveau

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Patinated Antique Art Nouveau "Shy Girl" Bronze by Georges Van der Straeten
Patinated Antique Art Nouveau "Shy Girl" Bronze by Georges Van der Straeten

Patinated Antique Art Nouveau "Shy Girl" Bronze by Georges Van der Straeten

By Georges Van der Straeten

Located in San Diego, CA

Gorgeous art nouveau "Shy Girl" bronze by Georges Van der Straeten for Société des Bronzes de Paris

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

20th Century Art Nouveau Pipe Smoking Man Sculpture by Austrian Hans Müller
20th Century Art Nouveau Pipe Smoking Man Sculpture by Austrian Hans Müller

20th Century Art Nouveau Pipe Smoking Man Sculpture by Austrian Hans Müller

By Hans Muller

Located in Milano, MI

Pipe Smoking Man figure early 20th century Art Nouveau Hans Müller bronze bust, a lovely dark

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Gilt And Patinated Bronze Bust By Henri Godet “Femme Tulipe”
Gilt And Patinated Bronze Bust By Henri Godet “Femme Tulipe”

Gilt And Patinated Bronze Bust By Henri Godet “Femme Tulipe”

By Henri Godet

Located in Norwood, NJ

A fine unusual Art Nouveau two tone gilt and patinated bronze bust of a young lady rising from the

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Griotte Marble

French Parian Porcelain Bust of “Tanagra” after Emmanuel Villanis ca. 1890
French Parian Porcelain Bust of “Tanagra” after Emmanuel Villanis ca. 1890

French Parian Porcelain Bust of “Tanagra” after Emmanuel Villanis ca. 1890

By Emmanuel Villanis

Located in Shippensburg, PA

EMMANUEL VILLANIS French, fl. 1880-1920 "Tanagra" Parian porcelain bust over gilt bronze plinth

Category

Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Bust of a young woman from the Belle-époque, by Victor Léopold Bruyneel
Bust of a young woman from the Belle-époque, by Victor Léopold Bruyneel

Bust of a young woman from the Belle-époque, by Victor Léopold Bruyneel

By V. Bruyneel

Located in Paris, FR

Bust of a young woman from the Belle Epoque period, in bronze with a golden patina, resting on a

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Deluxe marble bust depicting a lady 20th century
Deluxe marble bust depicting a lady 20th century

Deluxe marble bust depicting a lady 20th century

By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.

Located in Cantù, IT

Deluxe marble bust depicting a lady 20th century

Category

20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble

Marble bust depicting classy woman with hat, 20th century italy
Marble bust depicting classy woman with hat, 20th century italy

Marble bust depicting classy woman with hat, 20th century italy

By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.

Located in Cantù, IT

Fine white marble bust depicting a young woman wearing a flower-adorned hat and dress decorated with a necklace and elegant garland of leaves. The work gracefully captures the aesthe...

Category

20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble

Early 19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Bookends/Bust - Jacques Marin
Early 19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Bookends/Bust - Jacques Marin

Early 19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Bookends/Bust - Jacques Marin

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

Matching pair of Art Nouveau period bookends or busts. The figurines are made of green patinated

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Bookends

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

Antique Art Nouveau White Marble Bust of a Female Lady Wearing a Bonnet
Antique Art Nouveau White Marble Bust of a Female Lady Wearing a Bonnet

Antique Art Nouveau White Marble Bust of a Female Lady Wearing a Bonnet

Located in Nuernberg, DE

A classic decorative Bust statue. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of white

Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Mid-Century Modern Architectural Models

Materials

Stone

Bronze and Marble Sculpture With Bust Desk Thermometer
Bronze and Marble Sculpture With Bust Desk Thermometer

Bronze and Marble Sculpture With Bust Desk Thermometer

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Charming Art Nouveau bronzed bust of a woman sitting atop a black marble base. This desk sculpture

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

Antique Italian School White Marble Bust Sculpture of Young Woman
Antique Italian School White Marble Bust Sculpture of Young Woman

Antique Italian School White Marble Bust Sculpture of Young Woman

Located in New York, NY

Antique (19th century) white marble bust of a lovely young female with flowers in her hair, mounted

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble

Emperor Wilhelm II. Sculpture Bust on Marble Base Antique German, 1900s
Emperor Wilhelm II. Sculpture Bust on Marble Base Antique German, 1900s

Emperor Wilhelm II. Sculpture Bust on Marble Base Antique German, 1900s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

A classic very decorative bronze statue by an unknown Maker depicting Emperor Wilhelm II. from Prussia Germany. Born January 1859 in Berlin; † 4. Juni 1941 in Doorn, Netherlands - he...

Category

Antique Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Metal

German Shepherd Dog Bust Paperweight Sculpture / France, 1910
German Shepherd Dog Bust Paperweight Sculpture / France, 1910

German Shepherd Dog Bust Paperweight Sculpture / France, 1910

Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos

have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1995. If you have any

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Paperweights

Materials

Marble, Metal

Alexandre Falguière : "Bust of Diana" - Patinated bronze - Early 20th C.
Alexandre Falguière : "Bust of Diana" - Patinated bronze - Early 20th C.

Alexandre Falguière : "Bust of Diana" - Patinated bronze - Early 20th C.

By Jean Alexandre Joseph Falguière 1

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Alexandre FALGUIERE (1821-1900, France) : "Bust of Diana the huntress" Patinated bronze proof

Category

Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Marble Giuseppe Bessi (1857-1922) Bust LAST PRICE
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Marble Giuseppe Bessi (1857-1922) Bust LAST PRICE

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Marble Giuseppe Bessi (1857-1922) Bust LAST PRICE

By Giuseppe Bessi

Located in Toledo, Castilla La Mancha

Elegant Art Deco Mignon bust by Prof. Giuseppe Bessi (1857-1922), alabaster and pink marble, signed

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Busts

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

Italian Marble Alabaster Carved Busts
Italian Marble Alabaster Carved Busts

Italian Marble Alabaster Carved Busts

Located in Stamford, CT

Art Nouveau bust of maiden on pedestal, circa 19th century. Flowing hair and florals. Hand carved

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble

Lovely Diminutive Art Nouveau Bronze Bust on a Red Stone Base
Lovely Diminutive Art Nouveau Bronze Bust on a Red Stone Base

Lovely Diminutive Art Nouveau Bronze Bust on a Red Stone Base

Located in Papaikou, HI

I was unable to identify the artist of this beautiful diminutive Art Nouveau bronze. Great patina

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique George van der Straeten Art Nouveau Bronze Bust of Woman with Cherries
Antique George van der Straeten Art Nouveau Bronze Bust of Woman with Cherries

Antique George van der Straeten Art Nouveau Bronze Bust of Woman with Cherries

By Georges Van der Straeten

Located in Hampstead, QC

Belle Époque, a period when Art Nouveau appeared, an international artistic movement that broke with

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

'Lady in Lace' Marble Bust by Anton Nelson, circa 1895
'Lady in Lace' Marble Bust by Anton Nelson, circa 1895

'Lady in Lace' Marble Bust by Anton Nelson, circa 1895

By Anton Nelson

Located in Charlevoix, MI

A wonderful bust of a young lady with a lace cap, her eyes cast demurely downward. Very little is

Category

Antique 1890s European Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble

Italian Bust of Ludwig Van Beethoven Made of Carrara Marble, 1900s
Italian Bust of Ludwig Van Beethoven Made of Carrara Marble, 1900s

Italian Bust of Ludwig Van Beethoven Made of Carrara Marble, 1900s

Located in Verona, IT

The decorative bust shows the young Ludwig van Beethoven, made of Carrara marble and is signed by

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble

Early 20th Century Bronze and Rosso San Marco Marble Large Augustus Bust
Early 20th Century Bronze and Rosso San Marco Marble Large Augustus Bust

Early 20th Century Bronze and Rosso San Marco Marble Large Augustus Bust

Located in Toledo, Castilla La Mancha

Beautiful bronze bust with a base of red Italian San Marco marble depicting Augustus, the first

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Sculpture “Bust of a Lady”
Sculpture “Bust of a Lady”

Sculpture “Bust of a Lady”

Located in Mönchengladbach, NW

marble is from France, Europe. Art Nouveau approx. 1900-10 Signed: Aug. Maillard Scuptor: Auguste

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble

Antique French Bronze Bust Sculpture of a Satyr / Faun by Alix Marquet - 1914
Antique French Bronze Bust Sculpture of a Satyr / Faun by Alix Marquet - 1914

Antique French Bronze Bust Sculpture of a Satyr / Faun by Alix Marquet - 1914

By Alix Marquet

Located in London, GB

both marble and bronze. The present silver-plated bronze bust is an example of the bust model. The

Category

Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Dutch Queen Wilhelmina Marble Gilt Bronze Signed- Historic Sculpture circa 1890
Dutch Queen Wilhelmina Marble Gilt Bronze Signed- Historic Sculpture circa 1890

Dutch Queen Wilhelmina Marble Gilt Bronze Signed- Historic Sculpture circa 1890

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

by Dutch artist G. Van Vaerenbergh, signed on the reverse Rare and Important 19th century Bust of

Category

Antique 19th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze, Ormolu

Marble and Ormolu Bust
Marble and Ormolu Bust

Marble and Ormolu Bust

Located in Salt Lake City, UT

A virtuosic Art-Nouveau sculpture, incorporating gilt bronze, Carrara marble, and red-veined marble

Category

20th Century Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Art Nouveau Marble Bust", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Art Nouveau Marble Bust For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the art nouveau marble bust you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each art nouveau marble bust for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using stone, marble and metal. Your living room may not be complete without an art nouveau marble bust — find older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right art nouveau marble bust, those designed in Art Nouveau styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made art nouveau marble bust over the years, but those crafted by Georges Van der Straeten, Jean-Antoine Injalbert and Affortunato Gory are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Art Nouveau Marble Bust?

Prices for an art nouveau marble bust start at $295 and top out at $55,000 with the average selling for $2,365.

A Close Look at Art-nouveau Furniture

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

  • 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 
  • Use of hardwoods such as oak, mahogany and rosewood

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.

Finding the Right Busts for You

The presence of vintage and antique bust sculptures can add a necessary decorative layer to any interior. And just because a statue looks classical doesn't mean it has to be conventional.

A touch of whimsy, a dose of drama — a single bust can alter a room. And when placed in just the right spot, these statues can almost feel alive.

“They give humanity in a way that a more abstract sculpture can’t give,” says Los Angeles designer Timothy Corrigan, who loves pieces that beg to be touched. For a welcoming entry hall project in California, Corrigan selected an antique Persian rug and a bust that invites you to touch it. A collection of sculptures in wood, marble and brass complement the star of the show.

For Consort cofounder and creative director Mat Sanders, a bust doesn’t have to be pretty. “I most enjoy busts that are a little busted,” Sanders jokes — but choose something with a soul you can live with, as “sculpture representative of the human form carries with it an energy you will add to the space.”

The antique and vintage bust sculptures for sale on 1stDibs include Art Deco busts, mid-century modern busts and more.