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.
Jeweled Art Nouveau Repoussé Mantle Clock by Alfred Daguet w/Original Mechanisim
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Signed Alfred Daguet. Alfred Louis Achille DAGUET (1875 - 1942) was a metalsmith active in Paris during the first part of the 20th century. His metalwork created prior to the outbre...
Brass, Copper
Adolf Loos Jugendstil Mantelpiece-Clock Solid Brass Facetted Glass, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
Mantelpiece clock, often used by Adolf Loos in houses he designed. Casted brass-frame on four Rhomboid legs, strengthened edges leading to octagonal side frames, facettet glasses, cl...
Brass
Antique Monkey Barber Animated Brass-Cased Novelty Clock
Located in Forney, TX
A most amusing late 19th / early 20th century animated novelty clock, depicting monkey barber giving a haircut with disastrous results. Art Nouveau period, brass-cased, gimbal suppo...
Brass
Early 20th Century Cast Metal Art Nouveau Uranium Glass Clock by Ansonia
Located in Dekalb, IL
c. 1900s-1910s; The Ansonia Clock Co. - New York This ornate Art Nouveau mantel clock is rendered in cast metal with flowing, whiplash curves and a sculpted maiden in low relief-an ...
Cast Iron
Art Nouveau "Predator Box" Repoussé Box 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...
Copper
Quality Antique Art Nouveau French L'AURORE mantle clock
Located in Ipswich, GB
Quality Antique Art Nouveau French L'AURORE mantle clock, having a beautiful lady in bronze holding a flower standing on a marble base, 8 day mantle clock striking on a bell with the...
Marble, Bronze
French Art Nouveau Majolica Floral Dresser Mantel Clock and Garniture Set
By Sarreguemines, Esdeve
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The beautiful set by Esdeve - Sarreguemines features a lovely pink French Majolica dresser mantel clock and a matching pair of pink floral garniture vases. It features an Art Nouveau...
Majolica
Deakin & Ansonia English Sterling Silver Clock from 1903 in Art Nouveau Style
By James Deakin & Sons, Ansonia Clock Company
Located in New York, NY
James Deakin & Sons sterling silver clock with original leather back, from 1903 in Art Nouveau style, adorned with stylized natural and figural motifs. It measures 6 1/2'' in height ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Clock Set by Francesco Flora 1890 Antique Three Piece French Mantel
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous Art Nouveau clock set from the 1890s by Italian artist Francesco Flora made in Paris France. Francesco Flora is known for making gorgeous fe...
Spelter
Antique French Auguste Moreau Gilt Bronze Mantel Garniture Clock Candelabra
Located in Dayton, OH
Monumental Antique French Art Nouveau Auguste Moreau garniture clock set. Made of bronze with gilt accents featuring a peasant woman and child carrying a shieth of wheat flanked by large candelabra urns...
Bronze
Jeweled Art Nouveau Repoussé Clock by Alfred Daguet, with Original Mechanisim
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Alfred Louis Achille DAGUET (1875 - 1942) was a metalsmith active in Paris during the first part of the 20th century. His metalwork created prior to the outbreak of World War I, note...
Brass, Copper
$4,795Sale Price|20% Off
Lenzkirch Mantel Clock, Art Nouveau Jugendstil
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Lenzkirch Art Nouveau Jugendstil mantle clock This German clock features stylized accents heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau and Jugendstil era. I...
Antique Bronze Hirondelle Blessee Alfred Foretay Garniture Mantel Clock & Urns
By Alfred Jean Foretay
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique three piece set garniture clock made of bronze with green marble bases and gilt feet. Mantel clock features the sculpture Hirondelle Blessee by Alfred Jean Foretay above a gilt framed, white porcelain clock...
Marble, Bronze
Art Nouveau Serpentine Stone Pendulum Clock by Albin Müller
By Albin Muller
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Executed by Sächsische Serpentin-Stein-Gesellschaft, Zöblitz. Literature: exhibition catalogue Dresden 1906, p. 266; DKD vol 18, 1906, ill. page 646; DK issue 10 (1906/07), ill. pag...
Stone, Metal
Jugendstil mantel clock by Junghans Darmstadt
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Jugendstil mantel clock by Junghans Darmstadt. Professionally stained and repolished.
Brass
Art Nouveau Celtic Creature Repoussé Box 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
Art Nouveau Mahogany and Silver Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
Art Nouveau Mahogany and Silver Mantel Clock A rare Art Nouveau mantel clock housed in a waisted mahogany case with applied silver front and stand...
Mahogany
Art Nouveau Dandelion Repoussé Box 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
French Art Nouveau Clock and Vase Set by R. Ragu
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Tall 6 1/8” tall by 8.75” wide by 2” deep Clock on marble base. Hand engraved pewter over pearlized celluloid. Vases hand engraved pewter over fro...
Pewter
Large French Mantel Clock with Tiger and Serpent by R Varnier, Circa 1900
By R. Varnier
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
A magnificent late 19th/ early 20th Century mantel clock in patinated spelter, depicting a dramatic and finely modelled tiger confronting a serpent in a dynamic naturalistic composit...
Marble, Spelter
$2,050Sale Price / set|30% Off
French Art Nouveau Clock Set 'Poésie' 'Ch Ruchot' by Japy Freres
By Japy Frères
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
An antique French bronzed spelter clock set with its pair of matching gilt candelabra / garniture. The finely cast figurine of a lady holding a manuscript is entitled Poésie and ...
Marble, Spelter
Wood and Chrome Table Clock, Art Nouveau Period, Spain, Early 20th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Wood and chrome table clock. Art Nouveau period, Spain, Madrid, early 20th century. Coppel clocks manufacture.
Chrome
$2,080Sale Price / set|20% Off
Art Deco Pink Marble Set of Mantle, Desk or Chapel Clock with Bronze Details
Located in Miami, FL
Art Deco pink marble mantle, desk or chapel clock with bronze details Beautiful design and perfectly working Art Deco clock with a chime. If...
Marble, Bronze
Superb Arts and Crafts Nutwood and Brass Pendulum / Table Clock or Desk Clock
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful and stylish clock, in good working order. If you are looking for an exceptionally designed clock from the Arts & Crafts era then this rare mantel clock could be yours to enjoy soon. You will rarely find a table clock...
Metal, Brass
Art Nouveau Ceramic Mantel Clock
By Maple & Co.
Located in Norwich, GB
Art Nouveau mantel clock in a ceramic case with a white ground decorated with flowers in shades of blue with beaded decoration to the outside of the case, standing on a ribbed outswept arch with rectangular centre. Gilded bezel opening to an enamel dial with Arabic numerals and original gilded hands signed ‘Maple & Co Ltd, Paris’ Eight day French movement also signed ‘Maple & Co Ltd, Paris’. c.1900 Watchmakers and clockmakers of the world, by Brian Loomes...
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Period Gilt Bronze Mounted Wooden Mantel Clock by Colin & Cie
Located in London, GB
This elegant antique mantel clock is of the Art Nouveau period, and is set within a fine rectangular wooden case embellished with gilt bronze (ormolu) borders and floral decorations. The clock was made by renowned Parisian maker E. Colin & Cie, and its central circular wooden dial...
Bronze
Antique Arts & Crafts Successionist Mantle Clock - Stickley era - W7025
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
This is an antique Arts & Crafts Secessionist Mantle Clock c. 1899. In art history, secession refers to a historic break between a group of avant-garde artists and conservative Europ...
Bronze, Iron
Art Nouveau Mahogany French Balloon Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
Art Nouveau mahogany Balloon clock with satinwood inlay and standing on brass ball feet. Enamel dial with Arabic numerals and original hands. Eig...
Mahogany
Art Nouveau bronze table clock, "The Muse of Time" 20th century
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Fine art nouveau/art nouveau style mantel clock made of bronze and gilt brass, richly chiseled. The sculptural scene depicts a female figure lying with flowing drapery, accompanied b...
Bronze
Aristede De Ranieri Signed Art Nouveau Sculptural Mantel or Table Clock
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Thia antique mantel or table clock was made by the well known Italian born sculptor Archimede de Ranieri, who did much of his work in France and made this in approximately 1900 in th...
Metal
Rosenthal Jugendstil Porcelain Clock with the Goddess Diana (Artemis) the Hunter
By Karl Himmelstoss, Rosenthal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Jugendstil porcelain clock. By Rosenthal. In blanc de chine porcelain with gilt accents throughout and a gold washed clock face. Perched atop the clock is the Godde...
Porcelain
Antique Royal Dux Porcelain Figure Of An Alpine Mountain Skier Figure Clock
By Royal Dux
Located in New Orleans, LA
A rare and unusual antique Royal Dux figure of an Alpine mountain skier, having a Clock mounted in the top. Lovely rendering of colors and textures that simply delights the eye when ...
Metal, Brass
Antique French Wooden Chiming Mantel Clock, circa 1900
Located in Detroit, MI
This beautiful antique French wooden mantel clock was made in France circa 1900. This chiming clock with pendulum has a uniquely elegant design with clean, rectilinear lines and gent...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Mahogany Mantel Clock
Located in Norwich, GB
French Art Nouveau mahogany cased mantel clock with arch top above satinwood inlay depicting a Viking longboat at full sail. Enamel dial with Arabic numerals. Eight day movement sig...
Mahogany