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

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 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

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 6

What is a print in art?

Accepted Answer

In art, a print is a work produced multiple times by transferring an image from a plate to another surface. Making a print can be as straightforward as pressing a painted surface against another surface or as complex as triggering a chemical reaction to create an image. Artists embrace different techniques to yield various effects: some printing techniques, like etching, emphasize lines, for example, while others, like lithograph printing, are better for creating soft textures. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of art prints.

Question 7

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 8

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 9

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 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

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 12

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 13

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 14

How do I identify my art prints?

Accepted Answer

To identify your art prints, first look for an artist's signature, usually found in the bottom corner or on the back of the piece. You can use the app Smartify to take a photo of the signature or conduct a reverse image search to learn who the artist is. From there, you can explore online resources and art catalogues to learn more about your print. Should you need assistance, consider enlisting the help of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer. Shop a diverse assortment of art prints on 1stDibs.

Question 15

Are art prints worth money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some art prints are worth money. However, values vary greatly. A number of factors influence the potential selling price of art prints, including age, maker, technique, size, the original number of prints produced, the image quality and the condition of the paper. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer can provide you with an estimated value for any prints that you own based on these factors. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of art prints.

Question 16

Do art prints appreciate in value?

Accepted Answer

Art prints typically increase in value, but this depends on the artist and whether demand for his or her work increases over time.

Question 17

How can you tell if an art print is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if an art print is real, first take the time to learn about the artist and the types of prints that they have produced. Identifying characteristics vary based on the print method, and some artists have incorporated certain flourishes or markings that can aid in authentication. Researching the artist and their techniques using information available from trusted online resources can help you determine what to look for. Alternatively, you can take your print to a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer to seek an expert opinion. Find a large selection of art prints on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How do I know if my art prints are valuable?

Accepted Answer

To know if your art prints are valuable, conduct research on them. Begin by using the artist's signature to identify the maker, and then consult trusted online resources to find out how much similar prints made by them have sold for in the past. Keep in mind that the quality of the image and the condition of the paper will impact its value. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can evaluate your print and give you an estimate as to how much it is worth. Shop a large collection of art prints on 1stDibs.

Question 19

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.

Question 20

Are numbered art prints worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, numbered art prints may be worth something. The artist who produced the print and its age, subject matter, image condition and overall condition all contribute to its value. In addition, the number of prints that were in the series will also influence a piece's potential value. If you have a numbered print, a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer can help you determine how much it may be worth. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of art prints.

Prints Art Nouveau

2010s Figurative Prints

Audrey KawasakiCharlotta 2017 signed and Numbered Giclee Art Print, 2017

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Luigi RossiLithograph printed on silk by Luigi Rossi Le cygne Art Nouveau, Circa 1895

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

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

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Franz Melchers"La Phalène des Isles de la Mer, " figurative art nouveau ornate print, 1897

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Lewis BaumerArt nouveau style poster by Lewis Baumer, 1899

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Lewis BaumerArt nouveau style poster by Lewis Baumer, 1901

Early 1900s Prints and Multiples

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

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Ignatius TaschnerElectricity by Ignatius Taschner, Art Nouveau lithograph, 1897, 1897

Mid-20th Century Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Osamu TatematsuBlue Flowers, Art Nouveau Lithograph by Osamu Tatematsu

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Louis RheadPrang's Easter by Louis Rhead, Art Nouveau lithograph, 1897, 1897

Early 20th Century Spanish Art Nouveau Prints

Pair of Art Nouveau Furniture Framed Prints

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

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

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Henri MeunierGonthier-Meymans by Henri Meunier, Art Nouveau Japon lithograph, 1897, 1897

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Dudley HardyCinderella by Dudley Hardy, Art Nouveau theater lithograph poster, 1897, 1897

1910s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Luigi Emilio CaldanzanoLenti Radio-Attive, Art Nouveau Ricordi Portfolio advertisement lithograph, 1912, 1912

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Sergey SolomkoШУТ (Jester) by Sergey Solomko, Russian Art Nouveau folklore lithograph, 1897

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Alphonse MuchaAlphonse Mucha's "Figures Decoratives" 1905 Art Nouveau Lithograph, Plate 37, 1905

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Nude Prints

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

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

TorryArt nouveau style poster presenting Le Bruyant Alexandre - Cabaret - Paris, Circa 1900

1890s Art Nouveau Portrait Prints

Edward PenfieldThe Martian original art nouveau 1897 lithograph, 1897

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

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

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Henri de Toulouse-LautrecTa Bouche, Art Nouveau Lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1893

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Georges De FeureHélyett Marjolaine by Georges de Feure, Art Nouveau theater lithograph, 1896, 1896

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Louis RheadWinter Clothing by Louis Rhead, Art Nouveau Victorian fashion lithograph, 1897, 1897

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Louis RheadRead the Sun by Louis Rhead, Art Nouveau Japon lithograph, 1897, 1897

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Adolphe CrespinPaul Hankar Architect by Adolphe Crespin, Art Nouveau Japon lithograph, 1897, 1897

1890s Art Nouveau Portrait Prints

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

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Alphonse MuchaLate 19th century color lithograph art nouveau ornate bookplate female subject, 1897

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

Gaston NouryOriginal "Gladiaator" art nouveau vintage bicycle poster

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Alice Russell GlennyWomen's Edition Buffalo Courier by Alice Russell Glenny, Art Nouveau lithograph, 1897

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Eugène Grasset1894 Eugène Grasset’s Art Nouveau poster - Sarah Bernhardt - Jeanne d'Arc, 1894

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Albert MorrowAlbert Morrow's Illustrated Bits, 1897 Art Nouveau lithograph on Japon paper, 1897

1960s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Wifredo LamL'Antechambre de La Nature, Art Nouveau Etching by Wifredo Lam, 1966

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 20th Century Art Nouveau Portrait Prints

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

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Louis MoeFrem Program Anno 1900 by Louis Moe, Danish Art Nouveau mermaid poster, c. 1900

Vintage 1980s Art Nouveau Prints

Art Nouveau Style Print Elegant Woman in the Forest

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Portrait Prints

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

1890s Art Nouveau Prints and Multiples

Audrey Kawasaki
Charlotta 2017 signed and Numbered Giclee Art Print, 2017

Luigi Rossi
Lithograph printed on silk by Luigi Rossi Le cygne Art Nouveau, Circa 1895

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

Franz Melchers
"La Phalène des Isles de la Mer, " figurative art nouveau ornate print, 1897

Lewis Baumer
Art nouveau style poster by Lewis Baumer, 1899

Lewis Baumer
Art nouveau style poster by Lewis Baumer, 1901

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

Ignatius Taschner
Electricity by Ignatius Taschner, Art Nouveau lithograph, 1897, 1897

Osamu Tatematsu
Blue Flowers, Art Nouveau Lithograph by Osamu Tatematsu

Louis Rhead
Prang's Easter by Louis Rhead, Art Nouveau lithograph, 1897, 1897

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

Henri Meunier
Gonthier-Meymans by Henri Meunier, Art Nouveau Japon lithograph, 1897, 1897

Dudley Hardy
Cinderella by Dudley Hardy, Art Nouveau theater lithograph poster, 1897, 1897

Luigi Emilio Caldanzano
Lenti Radio-Attive, Art Nouveau Ricordi Portfolio advertisement lithograph, 1912, 1912

Sergey Solomko
ШУТ (Jester) by Sergey Solomko, Russian Art Nouveau folklore lithograph, 1897

Alphonse Mucha
Alphonse Mucha's "Figures Decoratives" 1905 Art Nouveau Lithograph, Plate 37, 1905

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

Torry
Art nouveau style poster presenting Le Bruyant Alexandre - Cabaret - Paris, Circa 1900

Edward Penfield
The Martian original art nouveau 1897 lithograph, 1897

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

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Ta Bouche, Art Nouveau Lithograph by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1893

Georges De Feure
Hélyett Marjolaine by Georges de Feure, Art Nouveau theater lithograph, 1896, 1896

Louis Rhead
Winter Clothing by Louis Rhead, Art Nouveau Victorian fashion lithograph, 1897, 1897

Louis Rhead
Read the Sun by Louis Rhead, Art Nouveau Japon lithograph, 1897, 1897

Adolphe Crespin
Paul Hankar Architect by Adolphe Crespin, Art Nouveau Japon lithograph, 1897, 1897

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

Alphonse Mucha
Late 19th century color lithograph art nouveau ornate bookplate female subject, 1897

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

Gaston Noury
Original "Gladiaator" art nouveau vintage bicycle poster

Alice Russell Glenny
Women's Edition Buffalo Courier by Alice Russell Glenny, Art Nouveau lithograph, 1897

Eugène Grasset
1894 Eugène Grasset’s Art Nouveau poster - Sarah Bernhardt - Jeanne d'Arc, 1894

Albert Morrow
Albert Morrow's Illustrated Bits, 1897 Art Nouveau lithograph on Japon paper, 1897

Wifredo Lam
L'Antechambre de La Nature, Art Nouveau Etching by Wifredo Lam, 1966

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

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

Louis Moe
Frem Program Anno 1900 by Louis Moe, Danish Art Nouveau mermaid poster, c. 1900

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

Victor Mignot
Le Cénacle by Victor Mignot, Art Nouveau Commedia dell'Arte lithograph, 1897, 1897

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

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

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

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

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

Louis Rhead
Prang's Easter by Louis Rhead, Art Nouveau Japon lithograph, edition of 25, 1897, 1897

Theo van Rysselberghe
La Libre Esthetique by Théo van Rysselberghe, Art Nouveau Japon lithograph, 1897, 1897

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

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

Alphonse Mucha
Late 19th century color lithograph art nouveau ornate bookplate, 1897

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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