Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
ART NOUVEAU STYLE
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
- Emerged during the late 19th century
- Popularity of this modernizing style declined in the early 20th century
- Originated in France and Britain but variants materialized elsewhere
- Informed by Rococo, Pre-Raphaelite art, Japanese art (and Japonisme), Arts and Crafts; influenced modernism, Bauhaus
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.
Style: Art Nouveau
Color: Gray
English Antique Lead Figural Fountainhead Ornamental Garden Fountain Feature
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
An elegant and highly unusual figural fountainhead. Made from cast lead, this is a late 19th century / early 20th century piece of superb quality. The lady figure is standing upright...
Category
1890s English Antique Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Lead
Lyon-Shaw Windflower Lattice Woodard Style Wrought Iron Garden Dining Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Lyon-Shaw Windflower Lattice Woodard style wrought iron garden dining set. Listing includes (4) dining side tables, small square glass top table w...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Antique French Art Nouveau 'The Pub' Fireback / Backsplash
Located in Amerongen, NL
Early 20th century French Art Nouveau fireback with a pub scene. The fireback is made of cast iron and the patina is natural brown. Upon request it can be made black / pewter.
This...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Bacchante in White Patinated Terracotta Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Beautiful Art Nouveau bacchant in plastered terracotta; her mane with bunches of grapes, leaves and vine tendrils, the inclination of her head with her sensual expression of satisfac...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Terracotta
Antique Cast Iron Edwardian Art Nouveau Combination Fireplace
Located in Manchester, GB
Large and unusual antique cast iron Edwardian Art Nouveau combination fireplace with a finely cast panel to the frieze, with what is believ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
French Bistro Style Patinated Iron Brass Garden Dining Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive French iron and brass dining table suitable for patio or garden. The round table features a pastry table style iron base crafted from four gracefully curved legs ending w...
Category
20th Century French Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Iron
20th Century Cast Iron Combination Fireplace
Located in London, GB
20th Century Art Nouveau Style Cast Iron Combination Fireplace.
Recently Salvaged From A London Town House And Blackened To Its Original Finish. Suitable For A Small Chimney Breast. ...
Category
Late 20th Century English Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
French Art Nouveau Carrrara Marble Iron Garden Dining Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Extraordinary French art nouveau garden dining table or centre table featuring a 1 inch thick round Carrara marble top. The top is supported by a three leg iron base conjoined in the...
Category
20th Century French Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Carrara Marble, Iron
Set of Tall Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Gates
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A tall set of late 19th century Art Nouveau style wrought iron gates. These superb gates were originally a pair of panels and have been fitted with modern hinges and latch to create ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
William Morris Styled Craven, Dunnil & Jackfield Art Pottery Decorative Tile
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large antique decorative tile was made by Craven, Dunnil & Jackfield of England in approximately 1890 and done in a period Art Nouveau sty...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Pottery
Antique Clement Massier French Art Nouveau Majolica Griffin Jardiniere Stand
Located in Forney, TX
An exceptionally executed antique, circa 1900, French majolica figural jardinière stand by Clement Massier (French, 1844-1917).
Hand-crafted in Golfe-Juan, Southern France, around the turn of the late 19th / early 20th, period Art Nouveau styling, sculptural tripartite pedestal form in a visually striking mottled blue / brown drip glaze, featuring three griffin dragon supports rising on paw feet, accented by stylized foliage, resting on conforming triangular plinth base. Signed; 'Clement Massier Golfe Juan' embossed on base. Impressed mark at base.
Used as a outdoor jardinière...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Majolica
11 Piece Set Art Nouveau Railing Balusters Floral Design
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th century antique 11 piece set of cast iron balusters done in an Art Nouveau organic floral design. Can be reincorporated into an outside ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Large Art Nouveau Planter, France, 1920s
Located in L'Escala, ES
Incredible piece and work for this very large Art Nouveau painted iron cast planter, manufactured in France by Metallo ceramique LH in 1920s.
An elegant pheasant towers over this go...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Large Vintage French Iron Garden Trellises or Topiaries, a Pair
Located in Austin, TX
A lovely garden folly! A great vintage find. Made of iron, this pair of vintage French garden trellises or topiaries dates to the late 19th or early 20th ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Early 20th C Pair Art Nouveau Railing Balusters Floral Design
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th century cast iron balusters done in an Art Nouveau organic floral design. priced as a pair. Great wall decor for a garden.
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Pair of Stone and Enameled Ceramic Planters, France, Early 20th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of stone and enameled ceramic planters. France, early 20th century.
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Cast Stone
Coastal Wrought Iron Seashell Table
Located in Cumberland, RI
Available now and ready to ship is a Coastal Wrought Iron Seashell Table featuring a flaw free 1/2 inch glass top. Beautiful Green Wrought Iron with Sea...
Category
Late 20th Century Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Large 1920s Glass Pillar with Delicate Engravings
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful Art Nouveau Glass Pillar that has been part of a world's fair and later part of the impressive fabric building of the Osterholzer Reiswerke. The...
Category
1920s German Vintage Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Glass
20th C. English Brass Art Nouveau/Arts & Crafts Companion Set
Located in Amerongen, NL
20th Century English Art Nouveau/Arts & Crafts fire companion set. The tool set consists of thongs, shovel, poker and stand. Made of brass and polished brass. It is in a good conditi...
Category
20th Century British Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Urban Cast Iron Fountain with a Low-Lying Sink
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
Early 20th Century Urban Cast Iron Fountain with a low-lying sink. It comprises a column that supports a square structure and presents, on each face, a semicircular profile crowned w...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Late 19th Century Hand Painted Tole French Washstand with Basin
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous hand painted Toleware French iron Washstand with French faience wash basin. Years of wear on this beauty, with a spectacular green.
Category
1890s French Antique Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Pair of French Art Nouveau Style Iron Wire Garden Tables
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Delightful pair of French iron and wire garden patio side tables or drink tables made in the art nouveau taste. Crafted from gracefully curved iron frames with a concentric circle de...
Category
20th Century French Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron, Wire
Art Nouveau Italian Glass Table top with Iron frame Indoor or Outdoor
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hand forged Italian Art Nouveau style glass top table with iron frame and gilt metal flowers.
Hand forged Italian Art Nouveau style glass top table with iron frame and gilt metal flo...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Foundry Foubrux, Coal Scuttle of Cast Iron Décoratif design Haren, Belgium 1900s
By Fobrux Haren
Located in Verviers, BE
Metal Foundry Foubrux, Haren, Belgium ca 1900.
Very beautiful and ornate coal scuttle of cast iron. The coal scuttle stands on four legs and has a very clear Décoratif design. The c...
Category
1920s Belgian Vintage Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal
French Art Nouveau Barbotine Vegetables Dish, Glove Box or Centerpiece, 1900
Located in Labrit, Landes
Barbotine dish for vegetables: asparagus or artichokes as it is represented or for any other vegetables or use
French art nouveau, circa 1900
Manufacture in Luneville, France
Good...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
French Art Nouveau White Carrara Marble Mantelpiece
Located in London, GB
French Art Nouveau white carrara marble mantelpiece.
Depth: 16? – 40.6 cm
External height: 43 1/2” – 110.4 cm
External width: 60? – 152.4 cm
In...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Late 19th Century White Wrought Iron French Settee
Located in Hastings, GB
A quite exceptional late 19th century pair of French patio/orangery Settee.
This is a beautiful wrought iron large settee, with the most intricate decorative detailing and workman...
Category
1890s French Antique Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
French Art Nouveau Firedogs or Andirons
Located in Amerongen, NL
Late 19th or Early 20th century French Art Nouveau andirons made of wrought iron. The andirons have spit hooks to grill food. The condition is good.
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Vintage Outdoor Stand French, Cast Iron, Planter, Stick, Art Nouveau, circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage outdoor stand. A French, cast iron planter or stick stand with Art Nouveau taste, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.
Appeal...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Pair of French Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Garden Gates, Early 20th Century
Located in Virum, DK
A pair of French Art Nouveau wrought iron garden gates; partially painted. With foliaged and tulip motif, painted in shades of rust rose and teal, early 20th century.
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
French Art Nouveau Period Iron Planter or Jardiniere, circa 1900
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This turn of the twentieth century French Art Nouveau period iron planter or jardiniere features a large 23 inch diameter scrolled basket with a removable metal tray platform to supp...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal, Iron
German Jugendstil Jardinière Planter in Repousse Brass & Bronze
Located in New York, NY
German Jugendstil jardinière planter with reptilian design motif in repousse brass with bronze handles, made in the 1900s. In remarkable antique condition with age-appropriate wear.
Category
Early 1900s German Antique Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Art Nouveau Sandstone Aquarius, Germany, Early 20th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Large sandstone gargoyle in the shape of an Aquarius with fish. Very beautiful patina.
Category
Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Sandstone
Art Nouveau Antique Style Fire Grate
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large English Art Nouveau style fire gate. At over 160 years old, this Victorian cast iron fire basket has stood the test of time.
Constructed from wrought and cast iron, the tall...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron, Metal
Set of Four Mid Century Woodard Scroll Armchairs Mesh Seats, circa 1955
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Nice set of 4 armchairs with a slight curve to the back. Mesh seats with flowers on the legs. One foot repaired. Signed Woodard, metal tag remains on one cha...
Category
1950s American Vintage Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Magnificent Jacques Charles Art Nouveau Fireplace Tools Set with Andirons
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Magnificent set of Jacques Charles Art Nouveau fireplace tool set with matching andirons. This is probably the finest set of fireplace tools we have ever had! They are super heavy an...
Category
1970s French Vintage Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Chrome, Iron
Pair of Art Nouveau Pedestals in Reconstituted Stone
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of Art Nouveau pedestals in reconstituted stone.
Category
1930s European Vintage Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stone
Secessionist Fire Screen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A fine and stylish mirrored secessionist fire screen crafted in brass raised on arched perpendicular legs, having a scrolled pediment and a flawless sun bu...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Vallauris, Pedestal and Its Art Nouveau Ceramic Flowerpot, circa 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pedestal and its Art Nouveau ceramic flowerpot, Vallauris, attribued to Jerome Massier, circa 1900.
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Delphin Massier Art Nouveau Majolica Figural Egret Planter, Vallauris
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Delphin Massier Art Nouveau Majolica figural egret planter, Vallauris, circa 1900.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Majolica
Art Nouveau Planter Porcelain Cachepot Hand Painted Winter Landscape German 1910
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Nice Art Nouveau cachepot, hand painted with a winter landscape. Beautiful decoration piece, nice addition to your living area, Patio, Yard or just to display in every room. It measu...
Category
1910s German Vintage Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Tin
Pair of Belgian Faux Bois Planters
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
As part of the Art Nouveau movement, faux bois was the height of sophistication and expertly crafted throughout Europe. These unique faux bois planters is a one of a kind set. Incred...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Cast Stone
Belgian Faux Bois Mailbox
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
As part of the Art Nouveau movement, faux bois was the height of sophistication and expertly crafted throughout Europe. This unique faux bois mailbox is a one of a kind sculpture. In...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Cast Stone
English Art Nouveau Fireplace Grate or Fire Basket
Located in Amerongen, NL
English Art Nouveau fire grate made of cast iron and wrought iron.
The condition is good.
Category
Early 20th Century British Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Large Michael Powolny Viennese Art Nouveau Secession Flower Pot, Austria, 1920s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and big Art Nouveau pottery flower pot with green/turquoise/black glaze. Designed by the Vienna Secession artist Michael Powolny in the ...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Large English Art Nouveau Fireplace Grate, Fire Grate
Located in Amerongen, NL
Beautifully forged English Art Nouveau fireplace basket or fire basket. The fireplace grate is made of wrought iron.
This product has to be shipped as freight due to its size and/or...
Category
20th Century English Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Large Dutch Art Nouveau Fireplace Grate, Fire Grate
Located in Amerongen, NL
Beautifully forged Dutch Art Nouveau fireplace basket or fire basket. The fireplace grate is made of wrought iron and cast iron.
This product has to be shipped as freight due to its...
Category
20th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron, Wrought Iron
Exquisite English Art Nouveau Fireplace Grate, Fire Grate
Located in Amerongen, NL
English Art Nouveau fireplace grate made of cast iron, wrought iron and polished brass. The total width of the front of the fireplace grate is 35 inch (89 cm).
This product has to b...
Category
20th Century English Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Iron
Art Nouveau Ceramic Caryatid in the Style of Massier, circa 1900 Monogrammed D
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Art Nouveau ceramic caryatid, circa 1900. Monogrammed "D".
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Exceptional English Art Nouveau Fireplace Tools
Located in Amerongen, NL
English Art Nouveau fireplace tool set, companion set made of polished steel and polished brass. Early 20th century. The condition is good.
Category
Early 20th Century British Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Steel
Aluminum Paper Mixing Blade Sculpture Model 1
Located in Oakville, CT
Aluminum Paper Mixing Blade Sculpture Model 1. Complete set of three available. Aluminum on steel base. Measures: 52" in height, 19" in width, 14" in depth. Base is 14...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Set of Seven Art Nouveau Iron Chairs with Flower Seats, France, circa 1920s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Rare and elegant set of seven high-backed iron chairs with unusual, curving, flower-shaped seats fitted with newly-made button-tufted cushions, in outdoor fabric. The structure is pa...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
French Art Nouveau Statuary Marble Mantelpiece
Located in London, GB
A refined French Art Nouveau white Statuary marble fireplace. The shaped frieze with delicately carved rose and foliage to centre and ends, the jambs with full length tapered panels....
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Early 20th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Fireplace Tools or Fire Tools
Located in Amerongen, NL
Early 20th century Dutch Art Nouveau fireplace tool set - fire irons made of wrought iron.
We have a unique and specialized collection of antique and used fireplace accessories cons...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Art Nouveau Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Art Nouveau building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Art Nouveau building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, decorative objects, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Art Nouveau building and garden elements made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, and Belgium pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original building and garden elements, popular names associated with this style include Antoni Gaudí, OTHR, BD Art Editions , and Gilliot. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $75 and tops out at $160,819 while the average work can sell for $2,126.
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