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.
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Wall or Ceiling Light, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Puristic design from the early stages of the Wiener Werkstaette, Measures: Diameter 25 cm. This lamp is also available in diameter 35cm and 50cm. most components according to the UL...
Brass
Art Nouveau French Brass and Pink Pressed Glass Pendant Light, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau, pink pressed glass pendant lamp ca. 1920 Brass chain Weight: 2.50 kg / 5.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international s...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass Pink Satin Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass lamp Brass bulb holder with pink glass shade. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.70 kg / 1.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have b...
Brass
Large Jugendstil Alabaster Pendant Light with Dramatic Natural Veining
Located in Lisse, NL
A striking and generously proportioned alabaster pendant light, measuring approximately 19.75 inches in diameter, executed during the European Jugendstil period. Carved from a single...
Alabaster, Brass, Wire
French Art Nouveau Brass Green Satin Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass lamp Brass bulb holder with satin green glass shade. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.50 kg / 1.1 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass Pink Satin Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass lamp Brass bulb holder with Pink & White glass shade. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.60 kg / 1.3 lb Priced per individual item. All lamp...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass Clichy Pink Colored Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Deco “Clichy” pink coloured glass pendant lamp Brass glass holder 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.70 kg / 1.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps ...
Brass
Large Vaudeville Era Theater Chandelier
Located in Peekskill, NY
I did not count every crystal in the dome but there is about 9000 pieces in graduating size on a rod frame. There may be only 2 or 3 beads missing out of the thousands. The lamp is i...
Crystal, Bronze
British Frosted Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Lamps
Located in Amsterdam, NL
British clear glass flush mount. Metal bulb holder with brass glass holder. Frosted glass with many lines and irregularities Brass ceiling plate / wall plate : diameter 10 cm / 3.94...
Brass
Koloman Moser / Josef Hoffmann / Wiener Werkstätte Jugendstil Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Koloman Moser
Located in Vienna, AT
Small and elegant wall or ceiling lamp; the depth is including Edison-bulb. The hole for the bulb has 6.5 cm or 2.55". Originally manufactured at the Wiener Werkstätte, now manufactu...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Ceiling Lamp / Flush Pende, Re Edit
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Hanging- lamp from the showrooms of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Hoffmann in several variations. Hammered originally. Works-number M115, pattern-book of the Wiener Werkstaette: WWM...
Crystal, Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass Opalescent Pearl Blue Glass Pendant Lights 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass lamp Brass bulb holder with pearl blue opalescent glass shade. Weight: 0.50 kg / 1.1 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by in...
Brass
Art Nouveau French Brass and Pink Pressed Glass Pendant Light, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau, pink pressed glass pendant lamp ca. 1920 Brass chain Weight: 2.50 kg / 5.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international s...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Flush Mount Pende Wrought Brass, Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Hanging- lamp from the showrooms of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Hoffmann in several variations. Hammered originally. Works-number M115, pattern-book of the Wiener Werkstaette: WWM...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Single Light Pendant for Wiener Werkstätte, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Hanging- lamp from the showrooms of the Wiener Werkstätte used by Hoffmann in several variations. Hammered originally. Works-number M115, pattern-book of the Wiener Werkstaette: WWMB...
Crystal, Brass
Josef Hoffmann/Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Brass Wall Light, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Great example from the early, puristic phase of Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstaette. Brass varnished or nickel-plated optionally, other surfaces available. All components acc...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Jugendstil Style Pende, Re Editon
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Pendant, used in several Versions in Showrooms of the Wiener Werkstätte. Also available in a single Originally manufactured at the Wiener Werkstätte Atelier, now custom-made product...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette Hand Chased Plafonier with Ornaments Reedition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful ceiling lamp with very elaborate hand chased ornaments, originally designed in 1905, now handcrafted at the Woka workshop in Vienna All components according to the UL regu...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Stoclet Palais, Ceiling Lamp Brass Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Ceiling lamp designed for the great hall at the Stoclet Palais, the lush and opulent Palace in Brussels, entirely executed by the Wiener Werkstätte with contribution by Michael Powol...
Brass
Art Nouveau Style White Alabaster & Bronze Three-Light Chandelier Pendant Light
Located in Lisse, NL
Excellent condition and rare design, 3-light chandelier. If you appreciate the elegant designs from the Art Nouveau era, then this midcentury made, 1970s alabaster, bronze and brass...
Alabaster, Brass, Bronze
Art Nouveau French Brass and Yellow Pressed Glass Pendant Light, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau, yellow pressed glass pendant lamp ca. 1920 Brass chain Weight: 2.50 kg / 5.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international...
Brass
Art Nouveau French Brass and Pink Pressed Glass Pendant Light, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau, pink pressed glass pendant lamp ca. 1920 Brass chain Weight: 2.50 kg / 5.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international s...
Brass
Large Pair of Rare Brass Bronze Wall Ceiling Lights Flush Mounts 1900
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful set of fore brass, bronze and glass flushmonts. A truly rare find: a set of two identical flush mount wall or ceiling lights in original Jugendstil/Art Nouveau style. Germ...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Art Nouveau French Brass and White Pressed Glass Pendant Light, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau, white pressed glass pendant lamp ca. 1920 Brass chain Weight: 2.50 kg / 5.5 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international ...
Brass
Brass Clear Reeded Glass Flush Mounts Ceiling Lamps
Located in Amsterdam, NL
British clear glass flush mount. Metal bulb holder with brass glass holder. Clear Reeded glass Brass ceiling plate / wall plate : diameter 10 cm / 3.94 inches Weight: 0.90 kg / 2 l...
Brass
Modern Jugendstil Josef Hoffmann Hand Cut Glass Wall or Ceiling Lamp, Re Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Wall or ceiling light with mirror back side, handcut glass, designed in 1901 for the Henneberg Mansion at the Hohe Warte in Vienna. All components according to the UL regulations, w...
Brass
Wiener Werkstätte Pattern Wall or Ceiling Light, Re-Edition Flush Mount
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Very elegant flush mounted ceiling-lamp, light comes out and makes wonderful pattern on the ceiling. This lamp is as well available in a larger version: 50 cm (19.69 inch). All com...
Brass
Flush Mount Josef Hoffmann&Wiener Werksaette Apptm Wittgenstein, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Very elaborate hammered and chased flush fixture for the Dr Hermann Wittgenstein appartment in Vienna All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we wi...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte Flush Mount Light, Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Flush - lamp from the showrooms of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Hoffmann in several variations. Hammered originally. Works-number M115, pattern-book of the Wiener Werkstaette: WWMB...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass White Opaline Glass Pendant Light 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass pendant Brass bulb holder with white opaline shad with clear green glass edge. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.75 kg / 1.7 lb Priced per ...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Pende, Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
An elegant and delicate pendant designed by Josef Hoffmann Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures.
Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass Frosted Glass Pendant Lights 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass lamp Brass bulb holder with mat glass shade. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.50 kg / 1.1 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have bee...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Flush Mount Jugendstil Lamp Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
This type of lamp was used by Josef Hoffmann in his best and puristic phase, two years before the founding of the historical Wiener Werkstaette (1903) for several houses: Hohe Warte ...
Crystal, Brass
Josef Hoffmann&Wiener Werkstatte Ceiling Lamp Villa Gallia Primavesi, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Very elaborate wall or ceiling lamp, designed for the Villa Gallia - Skywa - Primavesi, one of the last big houses, which is to consider the peak of Austrians architecture and cultiv...
Brass
jugendstil ceiling lamp vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, AT
Jugendstil ceiling lamp vienna around 1908 Brass polished and stove enameled Original antique floral glass shade
Brass
French Art Deco nickeled brass and Glass Flush Mount / Pendant Light, circa 1920
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Charming Art Deco Frenc chandelier manufactured in chrome metal (brass most likely) and a pressed glass central globe. Made in France in the late 1930's. This light can be install...
Crystal, Bronze
Brass and Glass Wall Lamp, Flushmount Re-Edition Ast3-14
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Wall or ceiling light reconstructed from the originals by Stefan Passini and Woka available in different sizes and finishes. All components according to the UL regulations, with an ...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass Frosted Glass Pendant Lights 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French Art Nouveau glass lamp Brass bulb holder with mat glass shade. 2 meter / 80 inches black cotton wire. Weight: 0.30 kg / 0.7 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have bee...
Brass
Otto Wagner Jugendstil "Viennese Tramway" Wall or Ceiling Lamp, Re-Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Wall or ceiling light with opaline glass, pictured in brass, designed for the Viennese tram. All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-lis...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Flush Mount Lamp / Lantern Jugendstil Re Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Hohe Warte and House Waerndorfer. All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures.
Crystal, Brass
French Frosted Glass Cast Iron Brass Flush Mount Ceiling Lamps
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Glass sconce / flush mount metal E27 / E26 bulb holder with frosted glass shade cast iron ceiling plate diameter 10.5 cm / 4” Weight: 1.20 kg / 2.6 lb Priced per individual item. ...
Brass, Iron
Otto Wagner Ceiling Lights for the Vienna Metropolitan Railways, Around 1900
By Otto Wagner
Located in Wien, AT
As the most important Austrian urban planner of the time, Otto Wagner was commissioned with the planning and construction of the Vienna metropolitan railway system, which he implemen...
Brass
French glass frosted Glass Flush Mount Ceiling Lamp
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French glass flush mount / sconce. Metal bulb holder with brass glass holder. Frosted glass shade. Brass ceiling plate / wall plate : diameter 10 cm Weight: 0.57 kg / 1.3 lb Price...
Brass
Spanish Feathered Crown Ceiling Fixture
Located in Buchanan, NY
This unique large crown ceiling fixture features three rows of elegantly stylized leaf or feather rays that is not only elegant but practical. The metalwork showcases a rich hand-gi...
Metal
French Art Nouveau Brass and Glass Three-Light Flush Mount Ceiling Light, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Elegant French Art Nouveau flush-mount ceiling light with sculptural brass foliage and floral glass shades, circa 1920. This refined French Art Nouveau flush-mount ceiling light dat...
Brass
Wiener Werkstätte Jugendstil Secession Brass/Opaline Gl. Wall Light/Flush Mount
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass, optionally varnished or nickel-plated, all other surfaces on request, Opaline-glass, handblown. Available also in different sizes: Ø 35 or 50 cm. Originally manufactured at th...
Brass
Puristic Jugendstil Otto Wagner Postal Saving Flush Mount Lamp, Re Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
A modernist flush mount fixture designed by Otto Wagner for the Postal Savings Bank - Postsparkasse in Wien - Vienna, 1904-1906 Literature: - FAHR-BECKER, G., Jugendstil, Köln, Köne...
Brass
Jugendstil Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte Ceiling Light with Bulbs, Re Editi
Located in Vienna, AT
Ceiling light with ten opaline glass bulbs, total drop custom made. Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser were using these designs! Glasses with colored spots with an additional charge o...
Brass
Carl Witzmann Mid-Century Modern Brass Wall or Ceiling Lamp, Re-Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Wall or ceiling lamp with opaline glass with an opening device Brass, optionally varnished or nickel-plated, all other surfaces on request, opaline-glass, hand blown. All componen...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Brass, Copper and Cut Crystal Flush Mount, circa 1920
Located in Merida, Yucatan
Magnificent brass and copper fluh mount with a cut crystal frosted globe. Both the brass and copper parts have great patina and you can see the golden shine where it has rubbed off...
Crystal, Brass, Copper
Josef Hoffmann Ceiling Lamp Wiener Werkstaette for Karl Wittgenstein, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Ceiling-lamp for the hunting-lodge of Karl Wittgenstein, the father of the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein material: solid brass, surface varnished or nickel-plated, all other surfac...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte, Palais Stoclet Dining Room Chandelier, Re Ed
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Josef Hoffmann designed the Dining room at the famous Stoclet Palais in Brussels with this flush-mount fixture. Handchased Ornaments on a brass-rim, and fire-polished glass-balls. WW...
Crystal, Brass
$1,388Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Brass Flush Mount Ceiling Light with Frosted Glass Shade, circa 1910
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This authentic Art Nouveau ceiling light from around 1910 features a finely crafted solid brass mount with decorative beaded trim and a sculptural frosted glass shade shaped like a s...
Brass
$1,436Sale Price / set|33% Off
Two Hanging Lamps circa 1910s with Original Opaline Glass Shades
Located in Wien, AT
Two hanging lamps circa 1910s with original opaline glass shades Polished and stove enameled.
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Wall Lamp/Flush Mount, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Early 20th century (1903), from the sewing room (Damensalon) at the first floor of the Purkersdorf Sanatorium; Remarkable the three combined squares, also used as prominent mark at t...
Brass
Wiener Werkstätte Secessionist Wall Light Flush Mount
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Lamp with this significant ornament All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures. We produce the lamp in three di...
Brass
Koloman Moser Crystal Glass and Brass Jugendstil Ceiling Lamp, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Koloman Moser, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Pendant for the apartment Margaret und Jerome Stonborough. Margaret (Gretl) was the sister of the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. Famous is the painting made by Gustav Klimt on the ...
Crystal, Metal
Large Wall or Ceiling Lamp, Viennese Jugendstil Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass lamp on a white lacquered wooden frame, opaline glass. All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures.
Brass
Brass Wall or Ceiling Lamp by Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Design, Re-Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Wall or ceiling light with mirror back side, pictured in nickel Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures N...
Brass
Large Brass and Crystal Glass Secession Style, Jugendstil Chandelier Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Woka scotch brass and crystal glass chandelier. In brass available on stock. Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our...
Crystal, Brass