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 Hand Carved Wooden Angel Head Sculpture, Spanish, Circa 1900-1920
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful early 20th century hand carved wooden angel head with glass eyes. Amazing eyecather with beautiful expression. Spain circa 1900-1920 Weathered, small losses. H:20cm W:9cm ...
Glass, Wood
Antique Italian Carved Alabaster Maiden Seated in Bronze Chair, by E. Fiaschi
Located in Petaluma, CA
This lovely young girl seated in a chair is a fine example of the work of Emilio Fiaschi, Italian b.1858-d.1941. Known mostly for his alabaster carvings, this is a nice example of hi...
Alabaster, Marble, Bronze
Young Girl With Cat, Ernst Waegener (1854-1919), H. Noack, Berlin, C. 1908
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Young Girl With Cat, Ernst Waegener (1854-1919), H. Noack, Berlin, Art Nouveau, 1908 A finely cast Art Nouveau figural sculpture by Ernst Waegener (German, late 19th–early 20th cent...
Bronze
Henri Gauquie The Sower Bronze Sculpture, Art Nouveau, c. 1910
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Rare French bronze sculpture by Henri Désiré GAUQUIE (1858-1927), France, ca.1910. The sower. Height : 18.25"(46.4cm), Width : 7.9"(20cm), Depth : 8.1"(20.5cm). A sharp line, an indi...
Bronze
Pierrot Under the Moon Sculpture, Polychrome Plaster, France, ca. 1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Pierrot Under the Moon Sculpture, France, circa 1900 A rare and poetic French Art Nouveau sculpture depicting Pierrot seated beneath a crescent moon, playing his mandolin in a dream...
Mirror, Plaster
Art Nouveau Nymph Sculpture by Hippolyte François Moreau (1832-1927), circa 1900
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Hippolyte François Moreau (1832–1927) Large White Carrare Marble Sculpture of an Art Nouveau Nymph, circa 1890-1900 A magnificent carved white Carr...
Breccia Marble, Carrara Marble
1920s Golf Player Harry Vardon Bronze Statue, Richard Thuss, Argentor Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
A stunning antique early 20th-century Austrian Art Nouveau bronze portrait figurine / sculpture depicting the renowned golfer Harry Vardon, titled "Joueur au Golf". This piece is dat...
Marble, Bronze
Woman with mirror Sculpture in Marble Sign: Prof. Jory
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Woman with mirror Sculpture in Marble Design: Prof. Jory Galleria Lapini Firenze Sold by: Casa Bellas artes Av. de Mayo 625 "Toilette" refers to a classic thematic genre that depi...
Marble
Daum Art Glass Green Dague Decorative Object, France
By Daum
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end art glass green dague by Daum, France. A beautiful green dague. On top of the dague, there is a head of a horse looking downward. We have another dagu...
Art Glass
19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze Sculpture "The Spring" by Mathurin Moreau
Located in London, GB
A charming late 19th-century bronze study depicting an Art Nouveau beauty seated upon a tree stump, dressed in loosely fitted attire and drinking from a shell. The sculpture display...
Bronze
Vintage Danish Porcelain Figurine "Girl with Cat" by Bing & Grøndahl
By Bing & Grøndahl, Ingeborg Plockross Irminger
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Porcelain figurine "Girl with Cat" by Bing & Grøndahl. Porcelaine figurine of a young girl feeding a cat. Designed by Ingeborg...
Porcelain
Large Art Nouveau Terracotta Sculpture "Zeus & Io" by Kai Nielsen, Denmark
By Kähler, Kai Nielsen
Located in Odense, DK
Monumental sculpture by Danish artist Kai Nielsen made in 1922 at "Kähler" workshop ("HAK"). The sculpture depicts a scene from the Ancient Greek legend of "Zeus & Io". It is made fr...
Earthenware, Terracotta
Late 19th Century Cupid Cherub Angel Figurine Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic late 1890s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture sho...
Bronze
Bibendum Michelin Man Bronze Car Mascot, Hood Ornament, Automobilia, France 1909
By Michelin Man
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Bibendum Michelin Man Bronze Car Mascot, Hood Ornament, Automobilia, France 1909. This is a highly collectible Bibendum Michelin Man bronze car mascot, Hood Ornament, Mascotte Voitur...
Bronze
Italian Neoclassical 19th Century White Carrara Marble Sculpture Guglielmo Pugi
Located in Miami, FL
Important 19th century sculpture carved on white Carrara marble. The female figure is dressed in a stunning Art Nouveau costume and rests on a pyramidal-shaped pedestal. Magnificent ...
Carrara Marble
11.25" Blind Justice Bronze on Marble Base by Alois Mayer
By Alois Mayer
Located in Pasadena, TX
This bronze by Alois Mayer is called "Blind Justice". It stands !!.25" tall and rest on a green marble base. Its signed on the back.
Marble, Bronze
Goebel Porcelain Hand Painted Bird Figurine of a Pied Wagtail
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Goebel porcelain figurine of a Pied Wagtail bird. It depicts a very well done hand painted black, brown, gray blue and white, Wagtail bird. It has the Goebel hallmark plus ...
Porcelain
Michael Powolny Four Seasons Putti Sculpture, Glazed Ceramic, 1906
By Michael Powolny, Wiener Keramik Werkstätte
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
four seasons Putti, Michael Powolny, Wiener Keramik, ca. 1906 Michael Powolny's renowned design is one of the most famous example of Jugendstil ceramics. They were produced by Wiene...
Ceramic
Art Nouveau pewter Sculpture lady with casket by Mattei France 1900
By Louis Octave Mattei (
Located in Antwerp, BE
Exquisite Art Nouveau sculpture of a lady holding a casket, created by French artist Louis Octave Mattei (1877-1918). Crafted in pewter, signed Lo. Mattei, this elegant sculpture mea...
Pewter
Meissen Figurine “Armor unter dem Pantoffel” Cupid with Slipper, 19th Century
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A delightful antique Meissen porcelain figurine titled “Armor unter dem Pantoffel” (“Cupid Under the Slipper”), masterfully modelled and hand-painted in exquisite detail. The charmin...
Porcelain
Art Nouveau Faience Woman Bust by Leon Noel Delagrange, 1889
By Leon Noel Delagrange, Louchet Ciseleur
Located in Lisbon, PT
An Art Nouveau ceramic and gilded bronze feminine bust by Leon Noel Delagrange. Delagrange ceramic and bronze by the foundry Louchet Ciseleur, Paris. The bust is a maiden mounted ...
Ceramic
Vintage Art Nouveau “Eve” Bookends 1930s by Verona
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of vintage Art Noeveau bookends by Verona. This set in beautifully aged cast iron reminiscence of the art noeveau era with its use of arches and curved forms. In this ...
Iron
Jugendstil J.P. Kayser Inkstand / Inkwell with Great Hamlet & Skull Sculpture
By Hugo Leven, J.P. Kayser Sohn
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and important Kayserzinn pewter inkwell, designed by Hugo Leven. Who, in this day and age, would ask a top quality sculptor to design and execute a stunning sculpture with ...
Metal
Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Bronze figure "Slave Girl" by Emmanuel Villanis
Located in London, GB
A beautiful patinated Art Nouveau bronze study of a young Art Nouveau beauty sat upon a wall wearing chains with excellent variegated rich brown patina and excellent hand chased surf...
Bronze
Auguste Moreau (1834-1917) Fine French 19th-20th Century Figure of a Nude Maiden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Auguste Moreau (1834 - 1917) A Very Fine French 19th-20th Century Art-Nouveau Patinated Bronze figure of Iris, depicting a graceful nude maiden Iris. The female nude figure is modele...
Griotte Marble, Bronze
Articulated Bronze Woman Sculpture by Carl Kauba, 1900s
By Carl Kauba
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Sculpture created by the renowned Austrian sculptor Carl Kauba in the early 1900s, depicting a female figure in bronze with articulated arms that can delicately reveal or conceal her...
Marble, Bronze
Austrian Naughty Bronze, Girl's Dress Lifts Up ca.1920, by Bergman Foundry
Located in Petaluma, CA
This wonderful, whimsical, and naughty bronze by the Bergman Foundry is a real joy. Highly detailed casting and meticulously painted bronze has the added feature of a toy, you can p...
Bronze
Handcrafted Golden First Gramophone Model after Emil Berliner 1887, Germany
Located in Hannover, DE
A special musical design object for lovers of music and transforming technology. This is a handcrafted model of the first gramophone, elaborately crafted and true to detail despite ...
Metal, Gold Plate
Set of 3 Art Nouveau green porcelain figurines by Zsolnay, Hungar 1930s
By Zsolnay
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a set if 3 small stylized Art Nouveau eosin green porcelain sculpture manufactured by a renowned porcelain company Zsolnay. These gorgeous little piece ...
Porcelain
Lalique Crystal Female Figurative Sculpture, from Paris, France, circa 1970s
By Lalique
Located in New York, NY
A French Lalique crystal female figurative sculpture piece, circa 1970's, France. A nude crystal female figure sculpture on black glass ba...
Crystal
Ernest-Justin Ferrand Female "Coup de Soleil" Zamac Sculpture Table Lamp
Located in Van Nuys, CA
A bronze alloy Art Nouveau woman entitled "Coup de soleil" table lamp, Signed Ferrand (1846-1932). The sculpture features a thinly dressed nymph with a branching Art Nouveau-style fl...
Metal
Early 20th Century Czech Royal Dux Bohemian Carved Porcelain Woman Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a woman's vanity or powder room with this vintage elegant ceramic Bohemian sculpture dish, crafted in the Czech Republic circa 1930. The Art Deco sculpture features a woman ...
Porcelain
Antique Porcelain Ceramic Wall Plaque Emmeline Harris Female Nude Art Nouveau
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An exceptionally well cast English Porcelain or Ceramic Wall Plaque depicting a standing Female Nude holding a ball, nicely cast is high relief. Signed and dated lower right 1917. ...
Porcelain, Plaster
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
Daum Art Glass Dragon Crystal Ball Decorative Object, France
By Daum
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end glass ball with a dragon by Daum, France. A delicate crystal ball with a dragon on top of it - made out of art glass. Founded in 1878 in Nancy, Franc...
Art Glass
Franz Peleschka Art deco bronze
By Franz Peleschka 1
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Franz Peleschka bronze sculpture Origin Austria Circa 1900 The condition of the bronzes is excellent, its base has been restored by a professional. Patina raised It is signed on its ...
Marble, Bronze
C. Conndray Bronze Figural Art Nouveau Sculpture Coffee Table with Glass Top
By Louis Icart
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Beautifully patinated, absolutely exquisite Art Nouveau figural bronze coffee table by C. Conndray. This coffee table is a perfect example ...
Bronze
Vintage Green Glass Relief "Nymph with two satyrs"
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This vintage relief plaque is cast in a rich emerald green glass, capturing a dynamic mythological scene with striking detail. Figures are rendered in graceful, entwined poses that s...
Glass
Art Nouveau "Mounted Amazon" bronze sculpture by Franz von Stuck
Located in Palm Beach, FL
FRANZ VON STUCK (German, 1863-1928) There is a tension between the Apollonian and Dionysian in Stuck’s work. Nietzsche’s contemporary and a kindred spirit, Stuck valiantly searched f...
Bronze
Late 19th Century Bronze Sculpture entitled Femme avec Oiseau by Maurice Bouval
Located in London, GB
A fabulous Art Nouveau bronze figure of a young beauty sat upon a rock surrounded by birds whilst holding a lute with excellent colour and very fine hand chased surface detail, raise...
Bronze
Austrian Erotic and Naughty Bronze "Treasure Seeker" Carl Kauba, Boy Finds Gold!
By Carl Kauba
Located in Petaluma, CA
This whimsical and sexy bronze (titled Treasure Seeker) was done by the noted Austrian Sculptor of many unusual and sexy and erotic bronzes, Carl Kauba. Signed on the base, and hav...
Bronze
Harlequin Clown Metal Money Box Piggy Bank, Antique Austria 1880s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Gorgeous antique metal money bank. A beautiful decorative item in metal with a lock. Made in Austria, circa 1880s or older. Nice addition to any collection, desktop, living room or c...
Metal
Maurice Bouval (French 1863 - 1916), Patinated Bronze Of An Art Nouveau Woman
Located in Germantown, MD
Maurice Bouval (French 1863 - 1916), Patinated Bronze Figure Of An Art Nouveau Woman Bronze on Marble Plinth.
Bronze
Daum Pate de Verre Sage Taoiste Sculpture, France
By Daum
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end glass sculpture by Daum, France. The sculpture in the image is a “Taoist Sage” created by Daum Frères in the late 20th century, most likely between 19...
Art Glass
Art Glass, A. Walter, (Pâte de verre vide-poche by Amalric Walter), France
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Art Glass
Art Nouveau Gilt Bronze Sculpture, Allegorical Female Nude, Early 20th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This Art Nouveau style bronze statue is a powerful symbolist work from the early twentieth century, exploring the theme of female empowerment. The sculpture features a standing nude ...
Marble, Bronze
Lucio Fontana (1899-1968): Life-size reclining nude made of plaster; 1920s
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Life-size reclining female figure made of plaster. It dates from the early period of Lucio Fontana's work (1922 to approximately 1930), when he worked in the sculpture studio "Fonta...
Plaster
Vienna Art Ceramics Art Nouveau Bowl 'Goose Dance' by Michael Mörtl ca 1910
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Nouveau ceramic centerpiece, twelve geese designed in a circle to form a bowl. White earthenware painted in color and glazed. Designed by Michael MÖRTL (1878 - 1939) around 190...
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Group 'Capture Of A Nymph', by Paul Helmig, Meissen Germany, Ca 1902
By Meissen Porcelain, Paul Helmig
Located in Vienna, AT
Exquisite large and rare Meissen Art Nouveau porcelain group: Triton adorned with water lily wreath on his head, half man, half fish with scaled legs leaning against a high wave and ...
Porcelain
Daum Art Glass Angel Sculpture Myth, Red Brown, France 1970
By Daum
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end glass angel myth sculpture by Daum, France. The angel - made out of art glass - is sitting, with one knee raised. A beautiful sculpture. The sculptur...
Art Glass
Art Nouveau Bronze Sculpture 'Polospielers' by Fred Voelckerling, 1919
Located in Bochum, NRW
A German Expressionist bronze sculpture "Polospielers" (Polo Players). Signed and marked 'Fred Voelckerling, 1919' on the base. In very good condition, normal wear and patina. Dimensions: 45x28x36.5 cm The aesthetic composition is depicting two polo players on horseback, in full competition. The horses' movement has a special elegance and sobriety, and the finish is of remarkable sensitivity, the anatomical elements are distinguished, without the stylization becoming of a trivial naturalism. The polo players are caught in a moment of maximum tension, struggling to keep both the horses in check and the clubs in play. The whole ensemble exudes the emotion of movement and competition, being a perfect example for the expressionist sculpture. Alfred (Fred) Hans Voelckerling (1872-1945) was a German artist who worked as both a sculptor and a painter. He has created many works of art that have been exhibited in different countries. His works are very impressive and often show people or animals in different situations. Voelckerling's art is well known and admired by many people around the world. After graduating from the Dresden school for arts and crafts where he worked in the studio of Robert Diez...
Bronze
Large Plated Flying Lady Sculpture (Golden)
By Charles Sykes
Located in London, GB
Large Magnificent plated Flying Lady on Marble Base After the Rolls Royce Mascot In the Charles Sykes Manner Spirit of Ecstasy Very Striking
Bronze
Antique Art Nouveau Iron Stove, Yugoslavia, 19th Century
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a stunning Antique Art Nouveau stove done in cast iron and blue enamel. These stoves were designed to be both function...
Cast Stone
Art Nouveau Studio Pottery Girl With Apple Farina Domenico Baccarini Faenza
Located in Munich, DE
This enchanting little girl holding an apple in her hands is made out of ceramic. The sculpture was created at the beginning of the 20th century by the artist Domenico Baccarini for ...
Ceramic
Antique Art Nouveau Figural Young Female Table Lamp with an Art Glass Shade
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This table lamp is completely unmarked but is presumed to have been made in Europe in approximately 1910 in the Art Nouveau period and style. The figural base of the lamp is a young ...
Spelter
French Art Nouveau Cast Bronze Crown Sculpture Fragment w Opaline Glass
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found, a very charming crown fragment featuring opaline glass panels. We believe this very sturdy fragment was originally part of a light fixture or pendant light. This fragment s...
Metal, Bronze
Antique Art Nouveau Lamp w/Partially Nude Woman, Jean-Baptiste Germain, French
Located in Petaluma, CA
We are art nouveau lovers as one might be able to see looking at our inventory. Lamps are always at the top of our "want list". We found a beauty here. She is gracefully standing in a leafy plant base as she holds ups a stem with leaves. The quality casting and rich warm patina all are present. The artist Jean Baptiste Germain...
Bronze
Danish Jugendstil Ceramic Sculpture by Søholm, Circa 1900
Located in Ebberup, DK
A striking and highly decorative ceramic sculptural piece estimated to be from the 1900s, possibly originating from the renowned Søholm ceramic factory during its Skønvirke period un...
Ceramic, Clay, Stoneware
Bronze Cherub Sculpture After Auguste Moreau, Art Nouveau, France
Located in Toronto, CA
A stunning sculpture of a cherub holding a cornucopia, after Auguste Moreau. French, early 20th century. At 35" high, this is a beautifully substantial bronze in excellent condition....
Bronze
Daum Art Glass Golf Player Green and Clear Glass, France
By Daum
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end glass sculpture by Daum, France. The sculpture - made out of art glass - is a golf player. The sculpture is made of art glass, with green accents. Fo...
Art Glass