$1,920
H 2.76 in W 13.19 in D 8.51 in
WMF Secessionist Art Nouveau Pewter Inkstand of Rectangular Organic Flowing Form
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
WMF. Secessionist Art Nouveau Pewter Inkstand. Germany. The inkstand is of rectangular organic form
Pewter
$1,909
H 2.75 in W 13.2 in D 8.5 in
WMF Secessionist Art Nouveau Pewter Inkstand of Rectangular Organic Flowing Form
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
WMF. Secessionist Art Nouveau Pewter Inkstand. Germany. The inkstand is of rectangular organic
Pewter
$2,750Sale Price|21% Off
H 15.25 in W 9.25 in D 2 in
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist Mirror, Germany, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Rare WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist pewter mirror, Germany, circa 1905. All original
Pewter
$10,911
H 58.01 in W 21.51 in D 17.51 in
WMF. A 12-person cutlery service in original stylized secessionist oak cabinet
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in London, GB
WMF A rare cutlery service for 12 persons in original stylised secessionist oak cabinet with single
Silver Plate
$2,750Sale Price|21% Off
Rare Design WMF Jugendstil Mirror, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
Rare WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist pewter Mirror, Germany C.1905. All original bevelled
$500
H 12 in Dm 6.5 in
Silverplated Secessionist Bowl with Geometric Handle and Perforations by WMF Jug
Located in Brooklyn, NY
and an angular handle. Stamped by WMF, a prestigious German metalware manufacturer.
Silver Plate
Secessionist WMF Silverplated Inkwell
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Secessionist WMF Inkwell featuring a rivet design and geometric hearts. Comes with a glass
Glass
WMF secessionist silver-plated brass basket w/ glass liner
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A nice WMF secessionist basket with a glass liner. It has lost almost all of it's silver-plating
Brass
Secessionist WMF Vanity Mirror
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in New York, NY
A great period secessionist vanity standing mirror in polished pewter by the firm WMF with hall
Pewter
WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Silver plate Box, Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Silver plate large Jewellery or Cigar Box, Germany, C.1906. The box of
Silver Plate
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame, Germany C.1905. The rare design frame of
Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame, WMF, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Art Nouveau Secessionist polished pewter photograph frame, WMF, circa 1906. The frame of stylised
Sold
H 6.75 in W 6.75 in D 3 in
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist Candlesticks Candelabra, Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil secessionist candlesticks candelabra, Germany, circa 1900. The polished
Pewter
Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame, WMF, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
Art Nouveau Secessionist polished pewter photograph frame, WMF C.1906. The frame of stylised
Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame, WMF, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
Art Nouveau Secessionist polished pewter photograph frame, WMF C.1906. The frame of stylised
Secessionist Jugendstil Pewter Inkstand, WMF, Germany, circa 1910
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Secessionist Jugendstil Pewter Inkstand, WMF, Germany, circa 1910. The inkstand of large
Pewter
Art Nouveau Secessionist Pewter Photograph Frame, WMF, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
Large Art Nouveau Secessionist pewter photograph frame, WMF, circa 1906.The frame of stylised
Art Nouveau Secessionist Pewter Photograph Frame, WMF, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Large Art Nouveau Secessionist pewter photograph frame, WMF, circa 1906.The frame of stylised
Pewter
WMF Frame Jugendstil Art Nouveau Secessionist Germany, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau secessionist photograph Frame, Germany, circa 1905. The rare design
Pewter
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Secessionist Biscuit Box, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Jugendstil Art Nouveau secessionist silver plated stylized cut-glass biscuit box. Made in
Silver Plate
WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Silvered Pewter Box Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Jugendstil secessionist silvered pewter Box Germany, circa 1900. The box of a rare design
Pewter
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Secessionist Mirror, Germany, circa 1910
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
decorated accents WMF beehive mark, original back and spiral easel, easel back also marked, circa 1910
Silver Plate
Sold
H 15.125 in W 11.75 in D 15.125 in
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist Large Silver Plate Mirror, Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil secessionist large silver plate mirror, Germany, circa 1900. The large
Metal
Sold
H 11.75 in W 6.75 in D 2 in
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist Photograph Frame, Germany circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Art Nouveau silver plate Photograph Frame, WMF Germany C.1906. The Frame, secessionist and art
Sold
H 2.5 in W 5.5 in L 8.75 in
Jugendstil Nouveau Secessionist Silver Plate Box, WMF Germany, circa 1910
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
Jugendstil Nouveau Secessionist Silver plate Jewellery Box, WMF Germany C.1906. The large
Silver Plate
Sold
H 9.5 in W 5 in D 1 in
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame, Germany, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau secessionist photograph frame, Germany, circa 1905. The rare design
Sold
H 9.5 in W 5 in D 1 in
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame, Germany, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau secessionist photograph frame, Germany, circa 1905. The rare design
Sold
H 4 in W 5.5 in D 5 in
WMF Jewellery Box Jugendstil Secessionist Silver Plate, Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Jugendstil secessionist silver plate jewellery box, Germany, circa 1900. The box of rectangular
Silver Plate
Sold
H 6 in W 3.25 in D 1 in
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame, Germany, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau secessionist photograph frame, Germany, circa 1905. The rare size and
Metal
WMF Jewelry Box Jugendstil Secessionist Silver Plate, Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Jugendstil secessionist silver plate jewelry box, Germany, circa 1900. The box of rectangular
Silver Plate
WMF Jewellery Box Jugendstil Secessionist Silver Plate, Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
WMF Jugendstil secessionist silver plate jewellery box, Germany, circa 1900. The box of rectangular
Silver Plate
Sold
H 11.75 in W 8 in D 2 in
Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist Pewter Photograph Frame, WMF, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Large Art Nouveau Secessionist polished pewter photograph frame, WMF, circa 1906. The frame of
Pewter
Sold
H 5.5 in W 9.5 in D 5.5 in
WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Silver Plate Jewelry Box Germany, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Jugendstil Secessionist silver plate large Jewelry box, Germany, circa 1906. The box of
Jewelry Box WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Silver Plate Germany, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Silver plate large Jewellery Box, Germany, C.1906. The box of
Set of 4 WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Art Nouveau Candelabra C.1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
Set of 4 of WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Art Nouveau Brass three light candelabra, Germany C.1900
Sold
H 5.5 in W 9.5 in D 5.5 in
WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Large Jewelry or Cigar Box, Germany, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF Jugendstil secessionist silver plate large jewelry or cigar box, Germany, circa 1906. The box
Silver Plate
Sold
H 6.5 in W 3.75 in D 3.5 in
WMFB Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Secessionist Style Candlesticks
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Lovely pair of Art Nouveau candlesticks in the secessionist style made in the early 1900s.
Metal
WMF Box Jugendstil Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Silver plate Jewellery Box, Germany, C.1900. The box of rectangular
WMF Frame Jugendstil, Germany, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame, Germany C.1905. The rare design pewter
Jugendstil Wine Labels, WMF, circa 1910
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Very rare pair of Jugendstil wine spirit labels, pewter probably WMF, circa 1910. Striking
Pewter
WMF Jugendstil Jewellery Box Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
WMF Jugendstil secessionist silvered pewter Box Germany, circa 1900. The box of a rare design
W.M.F. Bowl in Silver Plate, Secessionist Style
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Early 20th century WMF fully marked bowl in Secessionist style, nice conditions, item has been
Silver Plate
Rare Set of Four WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Art Nouveau Candelabra, circa 1900
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Set of four of WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Art Nouveau brass three-light candelabra, Germany, circa
German WMF Secessionist Silver Plated Ice Bucket
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Astoria, NY
German Secessionist silver plated ice bucket made by the Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik or WMF
Metal
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist Mirror
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist large silver plate Mirror, Germany, C.1900. The large
WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Box, Germany, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF jugendstil Secessionist silver plate and brass box, Germany, circa 1906. The box of rectangular
WMF Jugendstil Secessionist Jewelry Box, Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF jugendstil Secessionist silver plate jewelry box, Germany, circa 1900. The box of rectangular
Metal
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist Photograph Frame, Germany, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
Art Nouveau silver plate Photograph Frame, WMF Germany C.1906. The Frame, secessionist and art
Sold
H 2.5 in W 8.75 in D 5.5 in
Jugendstil Nouveau Secessionist Jewelry or Cigar Box, WMF, Germany, circa 1906
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Jugendstil Nouveau secessionist silver plate jewelry box, WMF, Germany, circa 1906. The large
Silver Plate
Sold
H 0.4 in Dm 4.93 in
Set of 14 WMF Silver Plated Bottle & Glass Coasters, Art Nouveau Secessionist
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This elegant set of 14 silver-plated brass coasters was crafted by WMF (Württembergische
Silver Plate
Monumental Silver Plate Centerpiece by WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1900-1920s, silverplate, by WMF, Germany. Redolent of the Secessionist Vibe, this stunning
Silver Plate
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Photograph Frame, Germany, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, ON
WMF Jugendstil Art Nouveau Secessionist Photograph Frame, Germany C.1905. The rare design pewter
W.M.F. Jugendstil Secessionist Art Deco Samovar, circa 1910
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Rare W.M.F. Jugendstil Secessionist Art Deco Samovar, circa 1910. The silver plate Samovar embraces
Silver Plate
Early 20th Century WMF Vase, Silver Plated
Located in Pymble, NSW
A WMF [Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik] Secessionist period silver plated vase with its original
Metal
Art Nouveau/Secessionist Copper and Brass Planter by WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Kent, GB
A highly stylish WMF planter or jardinière by WMF in copper and brass. WMF ostrich mark to
Brass, Copper
Secessionist Silver Plated Basket
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Essex, MA
A GERMAN SILVER PLATED SECESSIONIST STYLE BASKET BY WMF (WURTTEMBERGISCHE METALLWARENFABRIK). WMF
Antique WMF Secessionist Biscuit Barrel Cookie Jar
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An antique biscuit barrel jar from Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) of Germany. The early
Metal
Rare Pair of ART NOUVEAU Vases by WMF, Circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in TEYJAT, FR
Rare Pair of Art Nouveau Silver-Plated Vases by WMF (c.1900) A striking and rare pair of silver-plated Art Nouveau vases by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik), circa 1900. Eac...
Metal, Silver Plate
$3,495
H 90 in W 61.25 in D 23.5 in
19th-C. French Art Nouveau Carved Oak Floral China Cabinet / Sideboard / Hutch
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 19th century French carved oak Art Nouveau china cabinet. It has wonderful sinewy foliage and flowers framing the sides with a repeat theme on the door fronts and pedi...
Glass, Mirror, Oak
$2,847
H 10.75 in W 5.25 in D 4.4 in
Striking Art Nouveau Ceramic and Bronze-Mounted Vase in Victor Horta Style
By Victor Horta
Located in Lisse, NL
Top condition and pure elegance Art Nouveau vase. For the collectors of museum quality and condition Art Nouveau ceramics. This stunning Art Nouveau vase is decorated with the mos...
Bronze
$18,981
H 71.66 in W 82.68 in D 25.6 in
A corner sofa by J.M. Middelraad for H. Pander & Zn, circa 1900, The Netherlands
By H.Pander & Zonen
Located in Delft, NL
A corner sofa by J.M. Middelraad for H. Pander & Zn A corner sofa with fabric upholstery. The beautiful hand-carved details in Art Nouveau patterns and dragonflies, as well as on th...
Fabric, Palmwood
$49,430 / set
H 88.19 in W 83.86 in D 25.6 in
Rosewood Ocean Liner Furniture Suite from Ducrot, 1920s, Set of 6
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Main suite set from the liner Giulio Cesare launched in 1920 in Palermo with first voyage from Genoa in 1922. Completely fitted out by the Ducrot firm of Palermo. Excellent cabinetry...
Steel
$30,186
H 75.01 in W 57.88 in D 20.48 in
C R Mackintosh Guthrie & Wells, Glasgow School Stained Green Cypress Wardrobe
By Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Guthrie and Wells
Located in London, GB
Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928), made by Guthrie and Wells. A Glasgow School Arts and Crafts stained green cypress wood wardrobe, with white opaque textured square glass detai...
Brass
$22,000
H 64.97 in W 41.34 in D 7.09 in
Carved wood wall mirror, Art Nouveau period. France, early 20th century.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Carved wood wall mirror, Art Nouveau period. France, early 20th century.
Wood
New Haven Clock Co. Art Nouveau Style Table Clock
By New Haven Clock Company
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an Art Nouveau Style Table Clock. It depicts a small balloon shape clock mounted in copper color metal. A standing young nymph is adorning the front of the case while holding...
Bronze
Sold|$4,560
H 80.71 in W 53.15 in D 1.58 in
French Art Nouveau Carved Wood l Mantle Wall Mirror Glass Embossed
Located in Miami, FL
Art Nouveau Wood Mantle Wall Mirror Glass Embossed . A superb handcrafted late 19th century period antique mirror with original glass . Embossed Artwork to decorate your interior fro...
Wood
Early 1900 Luigi Fontana Fontana Arte Art Nouveau Table Mirror
By Luigi Fontana
Located in Brescia, IT
Liberty Table Mirror Luigi Fontana, Milano Italy, early 1900 Antique cut mirror with floral silver bronze frame Wood Back side "L. Fontana & C. Milano" signed on the back First and...
Metal
$17,653
H 59.06 in W 37.41 in D 19.69 in
Rare Italian Liberty Style/Art Nouveau Commode with Painted Wood Inlays
Located in Milano, IT
Rare commode in the style of Louis Majorelle with front and sides inlaid in painted wood. Two doors on the front that hide a cabinet with open compartments and small drawers in light...
Wood
Art Nouveau Celtic Creature Repoussé Box by Alfred Daguet
By Alfred Daguet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Brass, Steel
$5,900
H 7.25 in W 3.5 in D 3.5 in
Art Nouveau Gres Bijou Butterfly & Spiderweb Semiramis Vase by RStK Amphora
By Reissner Stellmacher & Kessel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Earthenware, Glass
$1,636
H 16.01 in W 6.26 in D 6.26 in
A Glasgow school anodized copper ceiling light with upside down heart cut-outs
Located in London, GB
A Glasgow school anodised copper ceiling light with pierced upside down split heart to the top and little repousse split hearts just above the glass.
Copper
$3,197
H 20.87 in W 15.95 in D 7.29 in
French Art Nouveau Wall / Hanging cabinet attributed to Alphonse mucha 1900 wood
By Alphonse Mucha
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous French Art Nouveau Wall cabinet / hanging cabinet in the style of Alphonse Mucha 1900. The piece has been carved and hand painted on all 3 sides displaying a work in the si...
Wood
Liberty and Co. An Arts and Crafts wall cabinet
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co. An Arts and Crafts wall cabinet with gold stencilled lion and a motto ''THE MAN WHO SMOKES THINKS LIKE A SAGE AND ACTS LIKE A SAMARITAN", BY Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st...
Oak
The fine brass, copper and silver metalware produced by distinguished manufacturer Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF) has adorned the tabletops of restaurants, hotels and homes around the world. WMF is especially prized by collectors for its Art Nouveau works of the late 19th century and Art Deco pieces manufactured throughout the early 20th century.
WMF traces its beginnings to 1880 when the merger of Straub & Sohn and Ritter & Co. formed the public limited company Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik. The company initially focused on tableware and decorative pieces, such as vases and planters. In 1892, WMF introduced its patented “perfect hard silver plating,” a technology that distributes twice as much silver to the sections of cutlery that experience the most wear, allowing the whole piece to hold its luster longer than other silver-plated products.
In 1905, WMF acquired a majority holding of Orivit AG, a company in Cologne that manufactured products from a tin alloy, further expanding its range of materials. By 1910, its main facility in Geislingen, Germany, employed 4,000 workers. It had branches in Vienna, Warsaw and London, and printed a catalog in 12 languages.
As a German business, WMF experienced extensive asset loss in the aftermath of the world wars. However, by 1950, its main facility once again had a workforce of more than 3,000 employees, and its high-quality products returned to popularity. There was an increase in demand for its Cromargan cutlery as well as work by WMF’s preeminent lighting designer, Wilhelm Wagenfeld.
By the 1960s, WMF’s main facility had 5,800 employees. More factories were opened to keep up with demand. WMF is now one of the largest manufacturers of metalware in the world and continues to produce pieces of superb quality. The company has over 200 branches in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and owns branches in 40 other countries.
On 1stDibs, explore serveware, decorative objects, lighting and more from Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (WMF).
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
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.