Question 1

What is the red seal on Chinese art?

Accepted Answer

The red seal on Chinese art is a way of communicating information about the piece. Depending on the artwork, the seal may say who produced it or who originally owned it. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of Chinese art.

Question 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 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.

Art Nouveau Seal

Early 20th Century French Figurative Sculptures

Art Nouveau seal, made out of silver and hard stone, France 1900.

Vintage 1920s Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

1920s Danish Hand-Crafted Art Nouveau Seal Ash Tray / Bowl by P. Ipsens Enke

Antique 1890s German Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Antique Art Nouveau Flower Silver Seal Initials A B

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Antique Art Nouveau Silver Pine Cone Desktop Seal France

Antique 1890s French Sculptures and Carvings

Bronze Letter Wax Seal Stamp Featuring Nude Bathing Women Art Nouveau

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Antique Art Nouveau Desk Top Seal Fluorite Fluorspar Silver Iris Initials E M J

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Desk Sets

Swedish silver-plated Seal Stamp in Art Nouveau

Antique Late 19th Century American Figurative Sculptures

Bronze Art Nouveau Nude Women Letter Wax Seal Stamp

Antique Early 1900s Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

Danish Art Nouveau Handcrafted Icebear and Seal Bowl by P. Ipsens Enke

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Desk Sets

German Art Nouveau Silver and Blue Hardstone Seal, circa 1900 with 'RE' initials

Antique Late 19th Century Figurative Sculptures

Bronze Shy Nude Women Art Nouveau Letter Wax Seal Stamp

Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Busts

Art Nouveau Gold-Patinated Bronze Bust/Seal 'La Poésie' Signed by Lecci, France

Antique Early 1900s Italian Art Nouveau Desk Sets

Antique Art Nouveau Silver Inkwell, Letter Opener, Dip Pen and Seal Set, in Box

Vintage 1910s Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

1910's Danish Art Nouveau Handcrafted Sealion Bowl - Ash Tray by P. Ipsens Enke

Antique 19th Century French More Desk Accessories

Art Nouveau French Bronze Wax Seal Stamp by Budin, ca 1900

Antique Early 1900s French Figurative Sculptures

Bronze Female Nymph Art Nouveau Letter Wax Seal Stamp, France, 1900

Vintage 1920s Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

1920's Danish Art Nouveau Handcrafted Icebear Bowl - Ash Tray by P. Ipsens Enke

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Antique von Aminoff 3 Intaglio Fob wax Seal Citrine solid 18K Gold / 8.7gr

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Art Nouveau Vases

Japanese Shakudo Bronze Vase Meiji Period

Antique Early 1900s Russian Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Faberge Gold, Enamel and Hardstone Desk Seal

Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau More Furniture and Collectibles

Bronze Art Nouveau Seal "Secret" in the Style of Gurschner

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Inkwells

Faun and nymph, art nouveau Wiener bronze Titze wax seal stamp with monogram E.T

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Historical Memorabilia

Antique French Historical Steel and Gold Seal

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Letter Openers

Boxed Gilt Bronze Letter Opener and Seal by G A Chenus

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

French Art-Nouveau Pewter Child Sculpture Lamp, Signed and Seal

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Pedestals

Art Nouveau Nut Wood Pedestal/ Flower Stand, Austria, circa 1900

Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Letter Openers

Late 19th Century Silver Desk Set, Letter Opener, Fountain Pen, Letter Seal

20th Century French Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures

Art Nouveau Bronze Bust of a Shy Lady by Georges van der Straeten, France, 1900

Antique 19th Century French Sculptures

Emmanuel Villanis French Bronze Bust Sculpture of Diane c. 1900

Vintage 1920s Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

1920s Danish Hand-Crafted Art Nouveau Ash Tray / Bowl by P. Ipsens Enke

Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Antique Art Nouveau Acanthus Silver Horn Desktop Seal France

Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Animal Sculptures

Seal Art Nouveau Sculpture in Bronze 1900s

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Letter Openers

Art Nouveau Boxed Paperknife and Seal Signed LeRoyer

Antique Early 1900s Italian Art Nouveau Desk Sets

Antique Art Nouveau Silver Inkwell, Dip Pen and Seal Set, in Box, Italy

Vintage 1910s Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls

1910's Danish Art Nouveau Handcrafted Sealion Bowl - Ash Tray by P. Ipsens Enke

Antique Late 19th Century English Figurative Sculptures

Bronze Art Nouveau Cloaked Women Letter Wax Seal Stamp, France, 1890

Antique Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Art Nouveau Centerpiece WMF 1900

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau More Furniture and Collectibles

Pernot, Art Nouveau Bronze Sculpture of a Nude Boy on a Bell, France, 1910

Vintage 1910s Russian Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Fabergé Jewelled and Enameled Gold and Hardstone Seal

Antique Early 1900s Danish Art Nouveau Decorative Bowls