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.
Antique Art Nouveau Silver Photograph Frame. English. Dated 1905
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Beautiful silver photo frame In art nouveau style Good clear hallmark for Birmingham 1905 Original bevelled glass Good condition Original oak back Free UK shipping
Silver
jugendstil picture frame around 1910s
Located in Wien, AT
Jugendstil picture frame around 1910s Brass polished and stove enameled Glass in front Picture size max: H:16,5cm W: 11cm
Brass
Sterling Silver Peruvian Repousse Picture Frame Ca. 1920s
Located in Peabody, MA
An early 20th century art nouveau sterling silver repousse picture frame, marked Industria Peruana Plata, Sterling. Frame measures 12.5" wide x 15.25" high overall. The opening on t...
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century Italian Carved Wood Art Nouveau Tabletop Frame
Located in Toronto, CA
A beautifully preserved early 20th century Italian carved wood tabletop photo frame, crafted circa 1915–1925 and notable for its substantial, large-scale presence. This elegant piece...
Glass, Wood
$580Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style .925 Sterling Silver Floral Filigree Picture Photo Frame 5x7
Located in Dayton, OH
925 sterling silver art nouveau style horizontal rectangular picture / photo frame featuring pierced, swirling floral and foliate filigree. Easel back. Dimensions: 12" x 0.5" x 9.5...
Sterling Silver
Claude Lalanne, a Rare Gilt-Bronze Dragonfly Frame, France, C. 1985
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
Claude Lalanne (1925-2019) A rare gilt-bronze dragonfly frame, France C. 1985, Signed on reverse Cl. Lalanne Artcurial 25/450. Measures: 4" high x 3...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios Large Grapevine Pattern Picture Frame, ca. 1905
Located in Petaluma, CA
This Large and beautiful picture frame is the the work of Tiffany Studios. This is the grapevine pattern with a gilt finish- The top border of the frame monogrammed (A.S.B.). Rich Ti...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Silver Picture Frame
Located in Queens, NY
Art Nouveau silver plate easel picture frame with open arched design top.
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Picture Frame
Located in VALENZA, IT
Sterling silver photo frame. The frame was made in Italy by the Argenteria Raddi of Florence. The design is typically Libeerty with the characteristic flowers, festoons and ribbons...
Sterling Silver
Antique Art Nouveau Photo Album or Book with Brass Stand Up Frame
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique standing photo album is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from France and date to approximately 1900 and done in the period Art Nouveau style. The album is compo...
Brass
Antique English Solid Silver / Sterling Picture / Photograph Frame - 1921
Located in Bath, GB
A very smart and elegant picture frame made from solid English silver with a nod to the Art Nouveau era, with it's organic shape almost reminiscent of a Tulip flower. The back is ma...
Sterling Silver
Edwardian Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Photo Frame, Birmingham 1906
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1906 by M. & C. Lister Ltd. this striking Edwardian antique sterling silver photograph frame is of an Art Nouveau style with a shaped rectangular form...
Sterling Silver
Kate Harris for William Hutton - Art Nouveau Silver Photograph Frame - 1902
By Kate Harris, William Hutton & Sons
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1902 by William Hutton & Sons and likely designed by Kate Harris, this distinctive Edwardian sterling silver photograph frame is of a rectangular form wit...
Sterling Silver
Photo Frame Butterfly-Shaped Fired Enamel on Guillochè Sterling Silver Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Butterfly-shaped photo frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent polychrome fired enamels on hand engraving that imitates the veins of the wings. External dimens...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Fabulous Rare Art Nouveau Period Sterling Silver Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous, rare, sterling silver, Art Nouveau period picture frame, Thomas Brogan and Co., New York, Ca. 1895. The frame is acid-etched, having Art Nouveau-style flowers and vines tha...
Sterling Silver
Jugendstil brass picture frame with glass around 1908
Located in Wien, AT
Jugendstil brass picture frame with glass around 1908 Blackened brass Glass in Front Picture size max: 20,5 x 11cm
Brass
Sterling Silver Frame Made by William Comyns & Sons of London c1898
Located in valatie, NY
Sterling Silver Frame Made by William Comyns & Sons of London c1898. This impressive photo frame decorated with Gainsborough Angels and has the original easel folding back covered wi...
Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Carved Wooden Picture Frame with Klimt Print of "The Kiss"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Art Nouveau intricately carved dark wood frame. In original "as is" condition with minor scratching and chipping. Gustav Klimt print of "The Kiss" as a bonus.
Wood
Antique Victorian Green Crocodile Skin Leather Photograph Album And Contents
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM A very stylish and good quality photograph album with a darkish pea green crocodile skin cover and a silver plated brass clasp in the art nouveau style. Gi...
Metal, Silver Plate
English Victorian Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Picture Frame, 1899
By Charles Fox
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Art Nouveau sterling silver picture frame. Made by Charles Fox & Co. Ltd in London in 1899. Cast and open rectangular surround with leafing scrolls, flowerheads, and bi...
Sterling Silver
Belgian Art Nouveau Copper and Glass Photo Frame, circa 1910
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 1910 / Photo Frame / copper and glass / Art Nouveau An exquisite Belgian photo frame from the early 20th century, crafted circa 1910 in the height of the Art Nouveau movem...
Copper
Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Photograph Frame
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Edwardian English sterling silver Art Nouveau photograph frame; an addition to our theatrical related silverware collection. This exceptional antique Edwardian sterling silver frame has a circular shaped form with a plain circular internal window. The surface of this silver photo frame is embellished with impressive embossed Art Nouveau style stemmed floral decoration, accented with foliage amidst a scrolling border. The upper portion of the frame incorporates the embossed Shakespearian quote 'Theres Rosemary, Thats for Remembrance'. This impressive photo frame has a velvet covered back and hinged strut, secured with a swivel catch, the body and strut of the frame have been recovered in red velvet replicating the appearance of the original covering. This impressive example of Edwardian silverware is inset with a removable glass panel. The lower portion of this Art Nouveau silver photo frame bears...
Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau embossed copper and wood Art Picture Frame, France ca. 1910
Located in Meulebeke, BE
France / 1910 / Art Picture Frame / wood, copper / Art Nouveau / Art Deco Beautiful picture frame, decorated with embossed lilies and artistic foliate designs. Handcrafted and hamme...
Copper
Mogens Ballin Art Nouveau Picture Frame, Tin and Brass, Denmark, 1900
By Georg Jensen, Mogens Ballin, René Lalique, Georges De Feure, Thorvald Bindesbøll
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A rare antique Art Nouveau tin and brass picture frame by Danish painter and artist Mogens Ballin (1871-1914) produced in the very beginning of the last century. Intricate arts and c...
Brass, Tin, Metal
Stunning Tall Art Nouveau Picture Frame
By Lawrence Emanuel, Birmingham 1
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, tall, sterling silver, Art Nouveau Period picture frame, having a wood back, Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked or 1911, Lawrence Emanuel - maker. The frame measures 10 i...
Sterling Silver
Photo Frame White Enamel and Hand Painted Flower Garlands Sterling Silver Salimb
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular photo frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with hand-painted floral miniature by the painter Renato Dainelli, fire-enamelled on a white background in Art Nouveau...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Small Jugendstil Picture Frame, Vienna, Around 1908
Located in Wien, AT
Small jugendstil picture frame Vienna around 1908. Polished and stove enameled.
Brass
Picture Frame for a round and a rectangular picture Fabergé style
By Salimbeni, Franco Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Large shaped frame for a round and a rectangular photograph in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on a radial guilloché and rich friezes in the Russia...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Art Nouveau picture frame in hand-hammered copper. Ca. 1900
Located in København, Copenhagen
Art Nouveau picture frame in hand-hammered copper. Hand-hammered copper frame with oval central opening, decorated with raised geometric ornaments. The reverse with the original su...
Copper
Antique Picture Frame, France, Silver Plated, Art Nouveau, 10 x 14 cm
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique picture frame from France, around 1910, Art Nouveau. Zinc Casting silver plated. Picture size: 10 x 14 cm.
Zinc
One of a Kind Art Nouveau Bronze Wall Mirror with Stylish Floral Design Frame
Located in Lisse, NL
This practical size and beautiful Art Nouveau wall mirror is in excellent condtion. Have you ever seen a cast bronze Art Nouveau picture frame? This rare example comes with very ele...
Bronze
Art nouveau oak photo frame with copper decorations by Geo Verbanck
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Belgium / 1905 / Photo Frame / Geo Verbanck / oak, copper / Art Deco / Art Nouveau Photo frame in Art Nouveau style with copper decorations by the Belgium artist Geo Verbanck. This ...
Copper
Pair of Yellow Moulded Glass Daum Art Nouveau Period Frames
By Daum
Located in London, GB
Pair of yellow moulded glass Daum Art Nouveau period frames. French, early 20th century Measures: height 28cm, width 24cm, depth 4cm, depth when open 21cm These elegant Daum frames...
Glass
Art Nouveau Whimsical Handcrafted Golden Bronze Table Mirror Vanity Mirror 1940
Located in Miami, FL
Art Nouveau whimsical handcrafted cast bronze table or vanity mirror. Mirror size: 5.25 inches diameter. M-551-335
Bronze
Small shaped Picture Frame 2 oval portrait Blue Navy color enamel Salimbeni
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Small shaped frame for 2 oval photographs in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloche in Art Nouveau style. External dimensions cm. 5.2 x 7 int...
Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold, Gold Plate
Edwardian Sterling Silver Photograph Frame in Art Nouveau Style
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Edwardian English sterling silver photograph frame in the Art Nouveau style; an addition to our silverware collection This exceptional,...
Sterling Silver
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Liberty Art Nouveau Lost Wax Casting Frame
By Brumal
Located in VALENZA, IT
Silver frame made with the lost wax casting technique. The frame is in Art Nouveau style and the verifiable weight is all in silver, except for the wooden back. The decorations are...
Sterling Silver
$1,200 / set
Pair of Art Nouveau Picture Frames
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of Art Nouveau picture frames. There's a slight difference in coloration as seen in the photos. They measure 9.5" wide, 4" deep and 11.75" high.
Brass
Antique Alvin Art Nouveau Silver Overlay Cranberry Cut-Glass Decanter
Located in New York, NY
Art Nouveau glass decanter with engraved silver overlay. Made by Alvin Corporation in Providence, circa 1890. Conical with cut-to-clear geo...
Sterling Silver
Antique English Edwardian Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Picture Frame, 1905
By William Aitken
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Art Nouveau sterling silver picture frame. Made by William Aitken in Birmingham in 1905. Rectangular window in shaped scrolled surround mounted to stained wood with hinged ...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Art Nouveau / Art Nouveau carved walnut frames - Early 20th century
Located in Vicenza, IT
Elegant pair of large solid walnut frames, made in the early decades of the twentieth century and featuring fine engraved decoration with floral and plant motifs. The designs, inspir...
Wood
Att.: Carlo Zen, Italian Art Nouveau Fruitwood & Silver Picture Frame, CA. 1900
By Carlo Zen
Located in New York, NY
Italian Art Nouveau Attributed: Carlo Zen Picture Frame Fruitwood and Silver Picture Frame Circa 1900 DIMENSIONS Height: 12 in (30.48 cm) Width: 10 in (25.4 cm) Depth: 7 in (17....
Silver
$1,025Sale Price|27% Off
Large Art Nouveau Teak Frame for Mantelpiece Mirror or Picture, circa 1920
Located in Labrit, Landes
Art nouveau french frame made circa 1920. The frame can be used to highlight a painting or to support a mirror. In both cases we will supply the chopsticks to hold whatever you choos...
Wood
Art Nouveau Tabletop Picture Frame for 2 Portraits, Italy, Early 1900s
Located in Prato, IT
Tabletop picture frame Carved in cirmolo Some very small pieces of carving are missing. Dimensions: W47 x H46 cm.
Wood
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Mirror
Located in New York, NY
hand carved and gild early 20th century Art Nouveau mirror, made in Spain. Original water gilt surface is in excellent condition. Outside dimensions 30 1/4" x 24" This item can be ...
Giltwood
Intricate Floral and Vine Design Pewter Picture Frame Art Nouveau
By Metzke, Robert Heritage
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a picture frame with intricate floral and vine design, this vintage-style picture frame is likely made of pewter . Similar frames featuring this "grapes and ...
Pewter
$3,247Sale Price|20% Off
Large Decorative Silver Photo Frame
Located in Catania, IT
A large, hand made, impressive and fine quality antique photograph frame with solid silver border decorated with repeating sections foliage and blossoms. The back has been recovered ...
Sterling Silver
Brass Art Nouveau Frame + Rococo Frame with Contemporary Paintings, A Pair
Located in Round Top, TX
Two antique/vintage brass picture frames, each with custom Contemporary Watercolor Paintings. 1st Frame: Tabletop frame circa 1900 fit with an original Contemporary painting. All p...
Brass
Picture Frame Silver shaped Enamel on guilloché and floral miniatures Salimbeni
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Guilloché Enamel Frame by Renato Salimbeni Oval shaped external photo frame in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamels on guilloché and floral miniatures...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Pair of Italian Silver Picture Frames in the Art Nouveau Style
Located in London, GB
Pair of Italian silver picture frames in the Art Nouveau style. Italian, 20th Century Measures: height 24cm, width 20cm, depth 4cm, depth when open 16cm. The elegant frames in t...
Silver
Two decorative picture frames in embossed copper with floral motifs.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Two decorative picture frames in embossed copper with floral motifs and oval openings. Reverse with a support stand for table placement. Material: Embossed copper Dimensions: H. 22....
Copper
Art Nouveau Nautical Themed Brass Photo Frame with Putto Angel
Located in Torquay, GB
A delightful art nouveau nautical themed photo frame. Solid brass with scrolled edges and 1 putto angel. Very beautiful frame. Will hold a 10cm x 8cm photograph. Excellent condition
Brass
Set of 10 Picture Frames With Photos, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, 19th - 20th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Wonderful set of 10 photo frames from the late 19th and early 20th century. Fantastic frames of Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Neoclassical style. All frames and also the glasses are ver...
Brass
Original lithograph of Franz Stuck´s Daughter
Located in Vienna, AT
This original lithograph made as a Christmas gift in 1912 from Franz Stuck (German Graphic artist) of his own Daughter comes in a original presentation frame. The lithograph was prin...
Wood, Paper
1930s Art Nouveau Pewter Picture Frame Mexico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Art Nouveau Styled Picture Frame Signed made in Mexico 9.5 H x 7 W Pewter with patinated colors. Vintage condition with some restoration. New glass and back support Refer to images p...
Metal, Pewter
French Art Nouveau Bronze Picture Frame
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau bronze double picture easel frame with floral motifs.
Bronze
Art Nouveau brass pair of photo frames - France-
Located in The Hague, NL
These elegant Art Nouveau brass photo frames are a beautiful example of early 20th-century craftsmanship. Characterized by its flowing organic lines, intricate floral motifs, and del...
Brass
Antique Pewter Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Art Nouveau Photo Frame
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik Pewter Art Nouveau photo frame with easel back, glass cover. Hallmarked WMFB OX. Circa 1886 - 1903. Made in Germany. Dimensions: 7 1/4" W x 6 1/...
Pewter
$529Sale Price|40% Off
Argentor Picture Frame attributed Hans Ofner
By Hans Ofner, Argentor of Vienna
Located in Wien, AT
Argentor picture frame attributed Hans Ofner. Polished and stove enameled.
Brass
Sterling Silver Gold-Plated Travel Photo Frame with Floral Miniature Art Nouveau
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Small travel photo frame for 2 photos in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamels on guilloché and hand-painted floral miniature; blue line on the outside....
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel