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.
Diskometal Rabbit Sculpture designed by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Diskometal rabbit sculpture designed by Just Andersen in the early 1930s. * Rabbit sculpture in diskometal * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1515 * Year: 1933 * Condition: Fair vin...
Metal
Set of four 20th Century Dachshund Dog Austrian Silver plate Miniatures Figurine
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This classic set of four 20th-century Vienna silver-plated figurines showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and intricate detailing associated with the tradition of Austrian bronze ...
Bronze
Early 20th Century Dachshund Dog Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature Figure
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture sh...
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
Bronze Kneeling Angel After Jean Antoine Injalbert, France, 1870
Located in Toronto, CA
Kneeling Angel after Jean Antoine Injalbert, 19th century, France. A stunning late 19th century bronze sculpture after Jean Antoine Injalbert, inscribed Injalbert 1890 on the base, ...
Bronze
French Art Nouveau Alabaster Bust of Young Lady, Marble Base, ca. 1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Nouveau Alabaster and Marble Bust of a Young Lady, France, ca. 1900 A beautiful French Art Nouveau sculpture dating from circa 1900, this elegant bust of a young lady is ...
Alabaster, Marble
Rare Majolica Butterfly Wall Pocket Clement Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Majolica butterfly wall pocket signed Clement Massier, Golfe Juan Circa 1900. H / 7 inches. W / 9 inches.
Ceramic, Faience
$572Sale Price|49% Off
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
Finest quality Bacchante Italian White Marble Bust with Gilt Bronze Mounts
Located in New York, NY
Finest quality 19th century Italian Grand Tour white marble bust sculpture of a beautiful Bacchante (follower of Bacchus) distinguished by its gilt bronze base and mounts. Apparently...
Marble, Bronze
$375Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Metal Dog Sculpture, St. Bernard, Mastiff, or Retriever Breed
Located in Warrenton, OR
Antique Metal Dog Sculpture, St. Bernard, Mastiff, or Retriever Breed, 1930s (estimated). ***NOTE: Our 1stDibs store is closing soon.*** This very h...
Metal
Italian Pair of Rooster Figures 20th Century Art Nouveau Animalier Sculptures
Located in Milano, MI
Pair of antique Italian rooster sculptures, hand-made in Italy in the early 20th century, in the Art Nouveau period, inspired to the Animalier style, ...
Bronze
Small Hans Müller Art Nouveau Bronze Cabinet Sculpture/Bust of a Half-Clad Woman
By Hans Muller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, small-scale antique Art Nouveau cabinet bronze. In the form of a half-naked young woman in three-quarter profile. Likely an allegory to Summer or The Harvest (or possibly a...
Bronze
Majolica Frog with Mandolin Delphin Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Art Nouveau Majolica frog who playing mandolin signed Delphin Massier circa 1900. The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Antoni Gaudí Door Knob N.3, Solid Brass, Jugendstil Design, Spain
By BD Art Editions, Antoni Gaudí, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Solid cast brass with polished finish. An exact reproduction in both form and material original metalwork fittings designed by Antoni Gaudí for various of his works of architecture....
Brass
$1,698Sale Price|57% Off
Lady in Solid Italian Art Nouveau Marble with Column and Fountain 1910
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Lady in solid Italian Art Nouveau marble with column and fountain 1910 It has some cracks as shown in the photos
Marble
Majolica Frog with Mandolin Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Art Nouveau green Majolica frog who playing mandolin unsigned Jerome Massier Fils, circa 1900. The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. The Massi...
Majolica, Ceramic, Faience
Mid 19th Century French Animalier Bronze entitled "L'Accolade" by P J Mêne
Located in London, GB
A exquisite mid 19th Century Animalier bronze study of a spirited stallion and a tetchy mare, the bronze with fabulous rich chestnut brown patina rubbed in areas to a golden hue and ...
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
Large Majolica Blue Butterfly Wall Pocket circa 1900
By Fives-Lille
Located in Austin, TX
Large French Majolica blue butterfly wall pocket circa 1900.
Ceramic, Faience
20th Century Cat Musician playing Horn Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature Figure
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture showcase...
Bronze
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
Italian liberty roses stained-glass windows, 1910s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian liberty roses stained-glass windows, 1910s Pair of rectangular stained-glass panels with light-colored frames, made of leaded glass. Both feature the same design, with a symm...
Glass
Tall stained-glass windows with roses, 1910s
Located in MIlano, IT
Tall stained-glass windows with roses, 1910s Pair of rectangular stained-glass panels with light-colored frames, made of leaded glass. Both feature the same design, with a symmetrica...
Glass
1900s Art Nouveau Papier Maché and glass Eyes Italian Bust of a Woman
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This refined early 20th-century Italian Art Nouveau mannequin bust captures the sophisticated transition from Stile Liberty to early Art Deco elegance. Masterfully sculpted in papier...
Glass, Wood, Paper
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
Antique Nymphenburg Porcelain Chick Figurine Art Nouveau, Early 20th C. Signed
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A rare and highly charming antique porcelain figurine depicting a chick, designed by Anna Soennecken-Beckmann for the renowned Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory c. 1911. Created in t...
Porcelain
1 of the 2 Pate de Verre Bulldog Sculptures by Daum, France
By Daum
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end glass sculpture by Daum, France. The sculptures in the image are bulldogs created by Daum Frères in the late 20th century, around 1980. It was produce...
Art Glass
$323Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Finely Crafted Elephant Porcelain Figurine Art Nouveau
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A naturalistic shaped and fine detailed elephant figurine from the Art Nouve era dating to around 1910. The elephant is marked with a green unidetified manufacturer's mark.
Porcelain
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
Patinated Antique Art Nouveau "Shy Girl" Bronze by Georges Van der Straeten
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous art nouveau "Shy Girl" bronze by Georges Van der Straeten for Société des Bronzes de Paris, circa 1900s. The bust has wonderful detail and is in very good vintage condition ...
Marble, Bronze
$840Sale Price|40% Off
Edgar Brandt Style Hand Forged Iron Snake or Serpent Sculpture, Austria, 1920s
By Edgar Brandt
Located in Vienna, AT
A wrought iron Art Nouveau era model of a snake / serpent. High-quality craftsmanship, handmade of forged iron by a Viennese metalworker in the 1920s. A decorative object, which would look great in your shelf, but also suitable as a paperweight, a jewelry ring holder...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Bust, Sculpture of a Woman in White Carrara Marble, Circa 1900.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture of a bust of a young woman in white Carrara marble by Adolfo Cipriani, circa 1900, Art Nouveau period. H: 59cm, W: 30cm, D: 20cm Please contact us before ordering to con...
Marble
Early 20th Cent Pug Dog Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature Figure on Marble Base
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1910s or older Vienna bronze figurine. This polychromed cold painted bronze is probably something you need if you’re a Vienna bronze collector. Found at an estate sale ...
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
$19,250Sale Price|30% Off
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
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
20th Century Cat Musician with Violin Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature Figure
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture showcase...
Bronze
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
20th Century Cat Musician with Triangle Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature Figure
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture showcase...
Bronze
20th Century Cat Musician playing Cello Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature Figure
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture showcase...
Bronze
20th Century Cat Musician with Sacophone Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature Figure
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture showcase...
Bronze
20th Century Dachshund Dog Austrian Bronze Miniature Figurine Antique
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 20th Century figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian bronzes. This charming figurine showcases the exceptional artistry for whi...
Metal, Bronze
20th Century Cat Musician with Accordion Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature Figure
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1910s Vienna bronze figurine, expertly crafted and beautifully detailed in the tradition of Austrian cold-painted bronzes. This charming polychromed bronze sculpture showcase...
Bronze
Aqua Turquoise Majolica Turtle Vase Clement Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Aqua Turquoise Majolica Turtle vase Pique Fleur Clement Massier, circa 1890.
Ceramic, Faience
$175Sale Price / item|20% Off
Door Knob N.3 by Antoni Gaudí, Solid Brass, Jugendstil Design, Spain
By Antoni Gaudí, BD Art Editions, BD Barcelona Design
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Solid cast brass with polished finish. An exact reproduction in both form and material original metalwork fittings designed by Antoni Gaudí for various of his works of architecture....
Brass
$262Sale Price|30% Off
Emmanuel Villanis Style Art Nouveau French Virgin Mary Sculpture w/ Marble Base
Located in Van Nuys, CA
A turn of the 20th century Emmanuel Villanis styled Virgin Mary bust sculpture exudes the ethereal grace reminiscent of the virgin saint in an Art Nou...
Marble, Bronze
Art Nouveau House Numbers Bronze Made after Hector Guimard Designs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Nouveau bronze numbers cast in bronze from the design of Hector Grimard from France. They are priced ( Each ) We have many of them . Let us know which one's you are interested ...
Bronze
Two Columns with Heron and Planter in the Style of Delphin Massier
Located in Antwerp, BE
This column surmounted by a vase decorated with flowers is reminiscent of the Mediterranean Majolica tradition. This piece is typical in the style of Delphin Massier’s, established i...
Ceramic
Pair of Murano Blown Glass Fruit Bowl sculptures by Aristi Barovier ca.1910
Located in London, GB
Two exquisite early 20th Century Murano glass fruit bowl still life sculptures are packed with a various realistic sculpted pieces created by the tech...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
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
Art Nouveau Bronze Sculpture of Draped Nude by Henri Godet
By Henri Godet
Located in Norwood, NJ
Henri Godet Art Nouveau signed sculpture of draped nude. Late 19th century antique. Art Nouveau bronze of "Le Reveil de L'Aurore" by Henri Godet. Base has gilt plaque...
Bronze
Vintage Antique MaruMan T2 Heavy Crystal Table Lighter Electric And Gas
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Vintage antique crystal tabletop gas and electric lighter. In great condition. This exquisite Lighter is a testament to the opulence and craftsmanship of the mid 20th century. The b...
Crystal, Metal
Brown Bronze Pig Sculpture on Marble Base
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Early 20th century bronze pig sculpture in brown patinated bronze, mounted on a green marble base. This animal sculpture represents a standing dom...
Marble, Bronze
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
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
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
"Jeune Femme a la Fleur" - French Art Nouveau Bronze Maiden on Marble Base
Located in San Diego, CA
"Jeune Femme a la Fleur" - French Art Nouveau Bronze Maiden on Marble Base, circa 1890 - 1905. A wonderful late 19th-century French bronze of a young maiden lifting a flower delicate...
Marble, Bronze
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
Early 20th Century Cold-Painted Bronze "Kneeling Man Praying" by Franz Bergman
Located in London, GB
Fabulous cold painted Austrian bronze study of an Arab man knelt on his oriental rug praying, with his walking stick laid beside him. With good rich brown and enamel colours and very...
Bronze
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