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.
Fine crystal Wine jug Gustave Serrurier-Bovy. c.1900 Arts & Crafts Décor
Located in London, GB
A Fine crystal jug designed by Gustave Serrurier-Bovy. A Stylish wine pitcher made from Belgian crystal with banded Brass fittings, Serrurier-Bovy influential in developing A...
Brass
Antique Crystal Bohemian Emerald Green Enamel Pair Overlaid Lusters Candlesticks
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A stylish example of a fine pair of bohemian emerald green ground gilt heightened white enamel hand cut full lead crystal lustres of outstanding quali...
Crystal, Enamel
Pair Of Jack Brubaker Bronze, Brass Calla Lilly Candlesticks
Located in New York, NY
Artisan handcrafted stylized Calla Lilly candlesticks crafted in bronze with brass flowers. Signed
Bronze, Copper
Antique Art Nouveau Pairpoint Large Silver Plated Candelabra. 1880s-1900s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Antique Art Nouveau large candelabra features ornate, highly detailed, sculptural form with 4 curved arms radiating from the central candle holder. The silver plated, heavy metal can...
Silver Plate, Bronze
Pair of silvered pewter candlesticks, Art Nouveau - Achille Gamba
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant pair of silver-plated pewter candlesticks in Art Nouveau style, designed by Achille Gamba. Germany early 20th century. Each candelabra depicts a stylized female figure with ...
Silver, Pewter
Early 20th C Pair Of Three Armed Sterling Silver Candlabras Circa 1910
Located in Incline Village, NV
Pair of early 20th century Art Nouveau sterling silver three armed candlabras in excellent and completely all original condition with all parts and elements intact, including drip tr...
Sterling Silver
Elegant Brass and Copper Art Nouveau Candlestick by Carl Deffner Germany 1910s
By Carl Deffner
Located in Malmö, SE
An elegant counterweight Art Nouveau / Jugendstil candlestick with amazing patina. Model 518 in the 1902 Deffner Catalog. Made from brass and copper by manufacturer Carl Deffner in E...
Brass, Copper
Silver Plated Owl Candlesticks by Robert and Belk
Located in Newark, England
FREE WORLD WIDE SHIPPING This pair of English silver plated owl candlesticks by Robert and Belk are modelled as standing owls supporting tulip form candle cups raised above their h...
Silver Plate
Pair of European Jugend Owl Figurine Candle Holders in Bronze, Late 19th Century
Located in Helsinki, FI
An elegant and sculptural pair of late 19th to early 20th century brass or bronze owl-form candlesticks, likely Scandinavian / Swedish in origin and dating from circa 1890–1910. Each...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Brass Wall Mount Candlesticks, 1930s
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau brass pair of Wall Mount candlesticks 1930s Originel Patina Excellent condition. looks simply stunning.
Brass
French Gilt Copper Eagle Sculpture 19th century Arts & Crafts Décor
Located in London, GB
19th Century French Gilt Copper Eagle Sculpture (30 cm) A finely detailed 19th century French gilt copper model of an eagle, expertly cast and richly chased with naturalistic feathe...
Brass, Copper, Ormolu
Stunning French Art Nouveau Brass Candelabra, 1940s
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Stunning French Art Nouveau Brass Candelabra, 1940s Elegant and sculptural French brass candelabrum from the 1940s, exquisitely handcrafted w...
Brass
A pair of English Art Nouveau candlesticks with flowing organic decor
Located in London, GB
A nice quality pair of English Art Nouveau candle sticks with flowing organic decoration throughout. Price for the pair.
Brass
Tiffany Studios Bronze Candlesticks Model 1201. Arts & Crafts, circa 1910
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
A sculptural pair of American Arts & Crafts bronze candlesticks produced by Tiffany Studios, New York, circa 1905–1915. Model number 1201, cast in heavy bronze and finished with ...
Bronze
Gilt Bronze Tiffany "Puddlestick" Candlestick New York 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Tiffany Studios gilt bronze "Puddlestick" candlestick. Signed with stamped signature "Tiffany Studios New York 1213" to bottom.
Bronze
Antique French Art Nouveau Marble and Brass Two-Arm Candelabras, Pair
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of antique French Art Nouveau brass and marble two-light candelabras France, Circa 1900 Each measures: 7.5"W x 3.25"D x 11.13"H. Good original vintage condition. ...
Marble, Brass
Tall Antique Tri-Stand Art Nouveau Candleholders W. Engraved Brass Leaves, 1900s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
In the style of Richard Riemerschmid and Richard Mueller in particular comes this pair of handmade brass candlesticks. Hammered and partially engraved tall leaves forms the tri-stand...
Brass
Charles Harleux 1895 Paris Art Nouveau Pair of Candlestick in Sterling Silver
By Charles Harleux
Located in Miami, FL
Art nouveau candlesticks designed by Charles Harleux. Very rare late 19th century pair of table candlestick, created in Paris France by the master silversmith Charles Harleuz, bac...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$317Sale Price / set|42% Off
Vintage Holyland Brass Candlesticks with Green Eliat Stones, Tamar Israel
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of Art Nouveau / Arts & Crafts styled israeli candlesticks in cast ornamented and partially perforated brass. Set with polished oval pieces of Eliat. The Eilat stone...
Brass
French Brass Handmade Art Nouveau Flower Candle Holder
Located in Rümmingen, BW
Shipping Note: If your region or country is not listed under the shipping options, please contact us directly. This beautiful Art Nouveau-style candleholder gets its appealing look ...
Iron, Brass
Elegant Pair of Art Nouveau Candleholders on Green Onyx Bases, circa 1930-1950
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish and very decorative pair of antique Art Nouveau candelabras, dating from approximately 1930–1950. These candleholders are hand crafted and feature a refined floral scrolling...
Onyx, Brass, Metal
Tiffany Studios "Jeweled" Candlestick / Pulled Feather Favrile Shade
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An exceptional example of early 20th-century American design, this tall candlestick lamp by Tiffany Studios, New York showcases the refined artistry and innovation that define the wo...
Bronze
$5,199Sale Price / set|35% Off
Pair of Silvered Pewter Art Nouveau Candelabra by Achille Gamba
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Nouveau silvered Pewter Candelabra a pair Pair of Art Nouveau silvered pewter candelabra / candleholder with female figure surrounded by 6 arms for six candles (probably WMF) Ea...
Pewter
$3,950 / set
Tiffany Studios Bronze Pair Candlesticks #1213
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of bronze candlesticks by Tiffany Studios circa 1905. Marked Tiffany Studios New York #1213 on the underside of the base. Textured bronze dore finish. Excellent condition.
Bronze
Pair of Candlesticks light Green Enamel and hand painted ivy on Sterling Silver
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Pair of Candlesticks light Green Enamel and hand painted ivy on Sterling Silver Salimbeni Pair of gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver candlesticks with translucent fired enamels on ...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Georg Jensen Pair of Sterling Silver Five-Light Candelabra #481b by Johan Rohde
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A rare and important pair of early Decorative Georg Jensen Five-Light Candelabra, Model #481b, designed in 1920 by Johan Rohde. This exceptional and generously scaled pair embodies ...
Sterling Silver
Pair of silvered bronze Art Nouveau candelabra by Georges de Feure France 1901
Located in Antwerp, BE
Pair of silvered bronze Art Nouveau candelabra with floral design by Georges de Feure for Galerie L' Art Nouveau in Paris, France 1901. These 3-light candelabra in silvered bronze ...
Bronze
Exquisite 19th-Century French Elephant-Leg Candle Holders Interior Decor
Located in London, GB
Exquisite 19th-Century French Elephant-Leg Candle Holders A finely crafted pair of French Aesthetic Movement candle holders in gilt bronze, featuring detailed elephant-leg bases and ...
Copper, Bronze
$728Sale Price / set|20% Off
Art Nouveau Bronze Candle Holders, Hand-Crafted, United States, 1905
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of early 20th-century bronze candle holders, each marked to the base “Pat’d Sept. 19 – 1905.” Substantial in scale with graceful, balanced proportions and a commanding presence....
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Pair of "Pineapple" Candelabrum
Located in New York, NY
This pair of Tiffany Studios’ Twelve-light candelabrum features twelve green Favrile blown-glass bobechés that mimic the silhouette of a closed flower in bloom. Tiffany’s blown glass...
Bronze
Swedish Ebeling Art Nouveau Ceramic Candleholders, 1920s
By Alf Wallander, Rörstrand, Bo Fajans, Gefle, Allan Ebeling
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of antique Swedish Art Nouveau ceramic candle sticks by Allan Ebeling for Bo Fajans in the early 1920s. Light gray crackle glaze with green, yellow and light blue colored hand-pa...
Ceramic, Pottery, Faience
English Art Nouveau Candlestick Silver Plated, 20th Century
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
English Art Nouveau candlestick with 5 branches silver plated metal. The four grooved side branches intertwine in arabesque shapes and are removable. It rests on a circular central...
Silver Plate
Georg Jensen Pair of Monumental Sterling Silver Candelabra 200
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A pair of early Georg Jensen monumental Art Nouveau sterling silver candelabra, design #200 by Georg Jensen, circa 1918. Each candelabrum rests on a large circular domed base with a ...
Sterling Silver
Pair Antique French "Art Nouveau" Green & Gold Opaline Glass Lustres, Circa 1910
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pair Antique French "Art Nouveau" Green and Gold Opaline Glass Lustres (Candlesticks), Circa 1910-1920.
Opaline Glass
Antique 5-Arm Sculptural Art Nouveau Candelabra in Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Magnificent candleholder in brass. Distinct early 20th century art nouveau - jugend styling. Female seductress with long hair/head scarf that transcends with her arms raising the tie...
Brass
Tiffany Studios Tall Candlestick with "Pulled Feather" Shade "Circa 1910"
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An exquisite and rare pair of tall candlestick lamps by the renowned Tiffany Studios, New York, crafted circa 1910. These striking examples of early 20th-century American decorative ...
Bronze
Pair of Art Nouveau Silvered Pewter Figural Candelabras
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Art Nouveau silvered pewter candelabras with female figures surrounded by 8 arms (Attributed to WMF) (PRICED AS Pair)
Silver, Pewter
WMF Art Nouveau candlestick. Germany 1906. Silver plated.
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Köln, NW
WMF Art Nouveau candlestick, Geisslingen Germany. 1906 Silver-plated. Hallmarked. Britannia metal. Alloy of tin, lead and antimony. Finally galvanically silver-plated. Model number ...
Britannia Standard Silver, Lead, Tin
Finnish Candle Holder, Early 20th Century
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Finnish candle holder, Early 20th Century. Copper. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use.
Copper
Arts and Crafts Copper and Brass Candleholder Jugendstil Aesthetic Movement
Located in Sharon, CT
Arts and Crafts copper and brass candleholder Jugendstil Aesthetic Movement. Candleholder retains original patinated surface.
Brass
Pair of Antique English Art Nouveau Candlesticks c.1900, Art Nouveau
Located in Bath, GB
A stunning pair of antique English silver plated candlesticks, quite stunning with a stylized naturalistic design with a definite Art Nouveau flair dating to c.1890/1900. They com...
Silver Plate
HOLIDAY GIFT - Pair of Jugendstil Candlesticks by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, 1930s
By Ystad-Metall
Located in Bochum, NRW
Pair of Jugendstil Silver-Plated Candlesticks by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, 1930s Elegant and sculptural, this matched pair of silver-plated candlesticks exemplifies the fluid lines and r...
Silver Plate
Pair of German Late 19th Century Jugendstil Silver Plated WMF Cherub Candelabras
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of German Jugendstil late 19th century silver plated candelabras from the Wurtemberg Metalware Factory, with cherubs holding the bobèches. Born in Germany in the Württembergis...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau Brass Pair of Wall Mount Candlesticks, 1930s
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau brass pair of Wall Mount candlesticks 1930s Originel Patina Excellent condition. looks simply stunning. If you have any questio...
Brass
Claude Bonnefond Art Nouveau Woman Candlestick or Statue, a Pair
By Claude Bonnefond
Located in Plainview, NY
An early 20th century spectacular pair of bronze plated figure of a sinewy and nature loving maiden holding three arm candelabras with flower design by Claude Bonnefond (or Jean - ca...
Metal, Bronze
Tiffany Studios Tall Blown Out Candlestick
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage early 20th century authentic Tiffany Studios candlestick is decorated with blown out green color favrile art glass in its candle cup. The candlestick has beautiful dark ...
Bronze
$310 / set
Austrian Candle Holder 1910
Located in Čelinac, BA
Vienes Candle Holder 1910s.
Alpaca
Pair of Louis Comfort Tiffany & Co. Clear Crystal Candlesticks
By Tiffany & Co., Louis Comfort Tiffany
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Pair of Louis Comfort Tiffany & Co. Clear Crystal Candlesticks. A gorgeous pair of crystal candlesticks By Tiffany & Co., "Louis Comfort Tiffany Collection" New York, USA, 1992. Meas...
Crystal
Finnish Art Nouveau Brass Candle Wall Sconce, Early 20th Century
Located in Karis, Nyland
This early 20th-century brass wall sconce is shaped with a distinct Art Nouveau influence, characterised by soft curves, embossed ornamentation and natural motifs. The three elongate...
Brass
Pair of Bohemian Emerald Green Crystal and Glass Floral Table Lamps, Circa 1900
By Bohemia
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of Bohemian emerald green glass table lamps with flanking gilt spheres, inverted bobeches with hanging crystal prisms, bulbous centered floral co...
Crystal, Gold Leaf
Art Nouveau Goddess Figurine Candlestick Holder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Expressive female figurine candlestick holder. The perfect table accent for a cozy dinner party, or in community with other candlesticks. Or p...
Metal, Bronze
French Art Nouveau Pewter Candlestick with a Lady Sculpture, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Art Nouveau style pewter candlestick with a sculpture of a lady, from circa 1920. An elegant Art Nouveau candle holder depicting a figure of a young and adorable lady, looking...
Pewter
$495Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Candelabra, Brass, 20th Century Design, 9x10 Inches, 1920
Located in Worcester Park, GB
This elegant brass candelabrum is a refined example of Art Nouveau design from the early 20th century, distinguished by its flowing lines and sculptural form. Crafted entirely of br...
Brass
Jugendstill Candleholder in Brass
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Jugendstill candleholder in brass
Brass
19th Century Tiffany Studios Gilt Bronze Branch Form Candelabra
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This matched pair of Art Nouveau gilt bronze candelabra were made by Tiffany Studios of New York. The candelabra have an naturalistic form modeled after tree branches and feature six...
Bronze
Austrian Art Nouveau Bronze Lily Candlesticks
Located in Queens, NY
PAIR of Austrian Art Nouveau / Secessionist bronze candlesticks with the relief of whiplash stems emerging from the bobeches upright cradling a candle stick with two lilies (marked: ...
Ash
Georges de Feure Pair of Gilt Bronze Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
This pair of French Art Nouveau three-light gilt bronze candlesticks, by Georges de Feure, with three arms of each candelabrum growing out of a flower bud on an upright vine. Working...
Bronze
2 Jugendstil Candle Holder Vienna Around 1907
Located in Wien, AT
2 Jugendstil candle holder vienna around 1907 Alpaca polished and stove enamelled.
Alpaca
Sculptural Art Nouveau Candle Holder in Pewter 1900
Located in Meer, VAN
Art Nouveau Candle Holder in Pewter, Europe, Early 20th Century. This is a wonderful sculptural candle holder with a very distinct art nouveau design. This early 20th century candle...
Pewter
Georges de Feure, Silvered Bronze Art Nouveau Candlestick, France, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Painter, theatrical and industrial designer, Georges de Feure was closely associated with Sigfried Bing who was key in the introduction of the art nouveau movement. Composed of chara...
Bronze