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 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 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

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 8

What is an original piece of art?

Accepted Answer

An original piece of art is a work that is considered to be an authentic example of an artist’s output, versus a reproduction. An original piece may refer to a sculpture, painting, a performance work or any other work in a range of other media. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique and vintage original pieces of art.

Question 9

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.

Question 10

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 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

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 13

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 14

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 15

How Much Should original art cost?

Accepted Answer

The%20cost%20of%20original%20art%20has%20a%20very%20wide%20range.%20For%20emerging%20new%20artist%20could%20be%20in%20the%20lower%20end%2C%20ranging%20from%20the%20%2450%20to%20%2410%2C000%20and%20the%20mid-career%20artists%20who%20are%20already%20established%2C%20their%20prices%20range%20in%20the%20thousands%20and%20hundreds%20of%20thousands%20of%20dollars%20and%20lastly%20the%20original%20art%20of%20very%20established%20and%20popular%20artists%20that%20could%20have%20auction%20records%20in%20the%20millions%20of%20dollars.%20Having%20said%20that%2C%20a%20good%20advice%20would%20be%20to%20learn%20more%20about%20the%20artist%20that%20is%20of%20your%20interest%20and%20the%20pricing%20range%20according%20to%20your%20budget%2C%20this%20would%20include%20the%20CV-bio%20of%20the%20artist%2C%20quality%20and%20quantity%20of%20the%20works%20produced%2C%20gallery%20representation%2C%20exhibitions%2C%20private%20and%20corporate%20collections%2C%20etc.%20and%20base%20on%20that%20information%20it%20would%20be%20easier%20to%20understand%20better%20how%20much%20that%20particular%20original%20art%20should%20cost.

Question 16

Is a lithograph an original work of art?

Accepted Answer

No, a lithograph isn’t technically an original work of art. It’s a type of print, but a lithograph is generally more prized than a common print because each lithograph is hand-made by the artist through the process of lithography. They’re usually made in much lower quantities than prints, which are easier to produce on a large scale. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of lithographs from various artists.

Question 17

Is it worth buying original art?

Accepted Answer

Many art lovers believe that buying original art is worth it. One appealing facet of buying original art is that you can choose a medium that appeals to you from paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures and more. Art can be displayed in your home to beautify interiors, and pieces from some artists may increase in value over time. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in original art is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Explore a large collection of fine art on 1stDibs.

Question 18

Are original art prints worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, original art prints may be worth something. However, the value of prints varies greatly based on the artist, age, image quality, historical significance, availability and overall condition. To find out how much a print that you own may be worth, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer, who can evaluate your piece based on its characteristics and history and give you an estimated fair market value for it. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of art prints.

Art Nouveau Original Art

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Richard RanftArt Nouveau : Circus : Horsewoman - Original lithograph 1898, 1897/98

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Nude Prints

Alphonse MuchaAlfons Mucha - Original Lithograph - Femmes Art Nouveau, 1902

1890s Art Nouveau Portrait Prints

Edward PenfieldThe Martian original art nouveau 1897 lithograph, 1897

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Gaston NouryOriginal "Gladiaator" art nouveau vintage bicycle poster

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Portrait Prints

Charles TichonOriginal Lampsin - Grellet vintage art nouveau poster, c 1900

1890s Art Nouveau Portrait Prints

Marcel - LenoirArt Nouveau Woman Praying - Original lithograph (1897/98), 1897

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Portrait Prints

A. QuendrayOriginal "Brasserie Schneider" vintage French poster art nouveau, c. 1900

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Alphonse Mucha"Art et Decoration" Original 1902 Art Nouveau Color Lithograph by Alphonse Mucha, 1899

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Henri GuinierArt Nouveau : Beauty of the Sea - Original lithograph - 1898, 1898

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Maurice Réalier-DumasArt Nouveau Woman in a Garden - Original lithograph, 1897, 1895

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Gustave-Max StevensArt Nouveau Woman Watching the Harbour - Original lithograph, 1897, 1897/98

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Maurice Pillard Verneuil1898 Original Poster - Laurénol N°2 Désinfectant - Art Nouveau - Advertising, 1898

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Charles NaillodOriginal Gustave Rouquier Bijouterie - jewelry art nouveau vintage poster, c. 1900-

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Irwin MoorheadOriginal vintage poster "Truth" weekly magazine art nouveau lithograph, 1895

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Georges De Feure1897 Georges de Feure's original lithograph "Retour" - Art Nouveau - Hand-signed, 1897

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Georges De FeureOriginal Lithograph Signed Art Nouveau 1800s Landscape Romantic Figure Floral, 1897

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Ernest Barthélemy Lem (Thelem)Cycles Peugeot Valentigney ( Doubs ) Circa 1900 - Original Poster - Art Nouveau, Circa 1900

Early 1900s Art Nouveau More Prints

Charles Rennie MackintoshArt Nouveau "Glasgow Rose" original lithograph by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, 1901

1890s Art Nouveau Portrait Prints

Jules ChéretOriginal 'Le Rapide Grande Journal Quotidien; art nouveau vintage poster, 1892

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Alphonse Mucha"Amen" Original 1899 Art Nouveau Color Lithograph by Alphonse Mucha, 1899

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Georges De FeureReturn (Art Nouveau - Woman, Greyhound and Boat) - Original lithograph, 1897, 1897

1890s Art Nouveau Portrait Prints

Original "The StarBoarder, Imitations of Sousa" vintage art nouveau poster, c. 1898

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Henri BoutetOriginal 1895 Art Nouveau poster for Henri Boutet's exhibition Salon des cent, 1895

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Clementine-Helene DufauClémentine-Hélène Dufau's original Art Nouveau poster for "La Fronde" in 1898, 1898

Early 1900s Art Nouveau More Prints

Charles Rennie MackintoshArt Nouveau "Pair of Doves" original lithograph by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, 1901

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Adolphe Giraldon"Lutece (L'Estampe Moderne II), " Original green figurative art nouveau print, 1898

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Jules Chéret1895 Original poster by Jules Chéret for the Quinquina Dubonnet - Art Nouveau, 1895

1890s Art Nouveau Portrait Prints

Edward PenfieldHarper's July, The German Struggle for Liberty original art nouveau poster, 1895

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Louis RheadArt Nouveau Portrait of a Woman with Lilies: Jane - Original Lithograph 1899, 1899

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Gaspar Camps1904 Original Art Nouveau poster by Camps - Elegant Woman with a Peacock feather, 1904

21st Century and Contemporary Animal Paintings

Tianying LiTianying Li Art Nouveau Original Oil On Canvas "Fantasy"

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Tianying LiTianying Li Art Nouveau Original Oil Painting "Roaming Flowers", 2000 Circa

21st Century and Contemporary Animal Paintings

Tianying LiTianying Li Art Nouveau Original Oil Painting "The Strength", 2000 Circa

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Firmin Bouisset1899 Original Art Nouveau poster by Firmin Bouisset for the Salon des cent, 1899

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Alphonse Mucha"Salon des Cent" Original 1897 Art Nouveau Color Lithograph by Alphonse Mucha, 1899

2010s Contemporary Interior Paintings

Paula CraioveanuART NOUVEAU WINDOW 1 - original large painting by Paula Craioveanu, 2023

2010s Contemporary Interior Paintings

Paula CraioveanuART NOUVEAU WINDOW 2 - original large painting by Paula Craioveanu FRAMED, 2023

21st Century and Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Tianying LiTianying Li Art Nouveau Original Oil Painting "The Clock", 2000 Circa

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Nude Drawings and Watercolors

George BarbierArt Nouveau : Nude with Crystal Ball - Original Watercolor and Gouache, Signed

Early 1900s Prints and Multiples

Richard Ranft
Art Nouveau : Circus : Horsewoman - Original lithograph 1898, 1897/98

Alphonse Mucha
Alfons Mucha - Original Lithograph - Femmes Art Nouveau, 1902

Edward Penfield
The Martian original art nouveau 1897 lithograph, 1897

Gaston Noury
Original "Gladiaator" art nouveau vintage bicycle poster

Charles Tichon
Original Lampsin - Grellet vintage art nouveau poster, c 1900

Marcel - Lenoir
Art Nouveau Woman Praying - Original lithograph (1897/98), 1897

A. Quendray
Original "Brasserie Schneider" vintage French poster art nouveau, c. 1900

Alphonse Mucha
"Art et Decoration" Original 1902 Art Nouveau Color Lithograph by Alphonse Mucha, 1899

Henri Guinier
Art Nouveau : Beauty of the Sea - Original lithograph - 1898, 1898

Maurice Réalier-Dumas
Art Nouveau Woman in a Garden - Original lithograph, 1897, 1895

Gustave-Max Stevens
Art Nouveau Woman Watching the Harbour - Original lithograph, 1897, 1897/98

Maurice Pillard Verneuil
1898 Original Poster - Laurénol N°2 Désinfectant - Art Nouveau - Advertising, 1898

Charles Naillod
Original Gustave Rouquier Bijouterie - jewelry art nouveau vintage poster, c. 1900-

Irwin Moorhead
Original vintage poster "Truth" weekly magazine art nouveau lithograph, 1895

Georges De Feure
1897 Georges de Feure's original lithograph "Retour" - Art Nouveau - Hand-signed, 1897

Georges De Feure
Original Lithograph Signed Art Nouveau 1800s Landscape Romantic Figure Floral, 1897

Ernest Barthélemy Lem (Thelem)
Cycles Peugeot Valentigney ( Doubs ) Circa 1900 - Original Poster - Art Nouveau, Circa 1900

Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Art Nouveau "Glasgow Rose" original lithograph by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, 1901

Jules Chéret
Original 'Le Rapide Grande Journal Quotidien; art nouveau vintage poster, 1892

Alphonse Mucha
"Amen" Original 1899 Art Nouveau Color Lithograph by Alphonse Mucha, 1899

Georges De Feure
Return (Art Nouveau - Woman, Greyhound and Boat) - Original lithograph, 1897, 1897

Henri Boutet
Original 1895 Art Nouveau poster for Henri Boutet's exhibition Salon des cent, 1895

Clementine-Helene Dufau
Clémentine-Hélène Dufau's original Art Nouveau poster for "La Fronde" in 1898, 1898

Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Art Nouveau "Pair of Doves" original lithograph by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, 1901

Adolphe Giraldon
"Lutece (L'Estampe Moderne II), " Original green figurative art nouveau print, 1898

Jules Chéret
1895 Original poster by Jules Chéret for the Quinquina Dubonnet - Art Nouveau, 1895

Edward Penfield
Harper's July, The German Struggle for Liberty original art nouveau poster, 1895

Louis Rhead
Art Nouveau Portrait of a Woman with Lilies: Jane - Original Lithograph 1899, 1899

Gaspar Camps
1904 Original Art Nouveau poster by Camps - Elegant Woman with a Peacock feather, 1904

Tianying Li
Tianying Li Art Nouveau Original Oil On Canvas "Fantasy"

Tianying Li
Tianying Li Art Nouveau Original Oil Painting "Roaming Flowers", 2000 Circa

Tianying Li
Tianying Li Art Nouveau Original Oil Painting "The Strength", 2000 Circa

Firmin Bouisset
1899 Original Art Nouveau poster by Firmin Bouisset for the Salon des cent, 1899

Alphonse Mucha
"Salon des Cent" Original 1897 Art Nouveau Color Lithograph by Alphonse Mucha, 1899

Paula Craioveanu
ART NOUVEAU WINDOW 1 - original large painting by Paula Craioveanu, 2023

Paula Craioveanu
ART NOUVEAU WINDOW 2 - original large painting by Paula Craioveanu FRAMED, 2023

Tianying Li
Tianying Li Art Nouveau Original Oil Painting "The Clock", 2000 Circa

George Barbier
Art Nouveau : Nude with Crystal Ball - Original Watercolor and Gouache, Signed

Achille Butteri
Original Vintage Cycles Perfecta Poster by Achille Butteri Art Nouveau, c1907

Tianying Li
Tianying Li Art Nouveau Original Oil On Canvas "Spring Time", 2000 Circa

Gaspar Camps
Original Vintage Art Nouveau Tender Temptation Print by Gaspar Camps c1900, 1900

Colette Wirz Nauke
Evening Nouveau Blossom, Original Painting, 2021

Francisco Tamagno
Original Cachou Lajaunie Vintage Art Nouveau Poster 1905 by Francisco Tamagno, 1905

Henri Riviere
Art Nouveau : Golden Age, Peaceful Life in the Forrest - Original lithograph, 1898

Julia Craig
La Celebration BY JULIA ADAMS, Original Still Life Painting, Bright Interior Art, 2019

Paul Destez
Circa 1900 Original Poster Paul Destez A la place Clichy - Art Nouuveau Fashion, Circa 1900

Alphonse Mucha
"Our Father Who Art in Heaven" Original 1899 Color Lithograph by Alphonse Mucha, 1899

Van Briggle
Blue/Green Flower Holder with Original Frog Insert, c. 1930s

Cynthia Coulombe Bégin
Le Nouveau Chemin - Impasto Thick Paint Original Butterfly Artwork, 2023

Gaston Darbour
Circa 1900 original gouache by Gaston Darbour - Élégante aux fleurs, Circa 1900