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 Jugendstil Silk/Brass Wall Lamp Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
For the residence of the Banker Dr Dietrich Moldauer Material: Patinated brass, silk, all other colors are possible Most components according to the UL regulations, with an addition...
Brass
Jugendstil Ceiling Lamp / Pendant Opaline Glass, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful Woka ceiling lamp, also available with a 50 cm diameter radius - total drop is custom-made. Materials used are brass and opaline glass. Available in different finishes. L...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Silk and Brass Pendant Wiener Werstaette 5th Avenue, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
This marvellous pendant was designed for the New York branch of the historical Wiener Werkstaette. All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will ...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Vienna Secessionist Lantern Pende, Re-Edition
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 for several houses: Hohe Warte Hennebe...
Brass
Adolf Loos Jugendstil Opaline Glass and Brass Pendant, Re Edition
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Ceiling light with opaline glass shade, different sizes, comes as well as a downlight Total drop custom made All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional char...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Stained-Glass Lantern, 1890-1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Nouveau Stained Glass Lantern, 1890s. A stunning example of French Art Nouveau lighting, this stained-glass lantern from France, circa 1890–1900, embodies the elegance an...
Iron
XL-Graben Cafe Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstätte Chandelier, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Josef Hoffmann designed this pendant for the famous Graben Cafè in Vienna. he earlier has used this design for the Staekelberg, Knips and Zuckerkandl Mansion. We have also a version ...
Brass
19th/20th Century Wrought Iron and Bronze Four Light Hanging Lantern
Located in Stamford, CT
Baroque style wrought iron and bronze hanging lantern with distinctive bronze decorative plaques and original chain and hardware. Dating from the 1890's - 1910, this beautifully craf...
Wrought Iron, Bronze
Art Nouveau ceiling light from Vienna
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Small ceiling light from the late Art Nouveau period. Nice old patina. 1 bulb E27
Brass
Rare Arts & Crafts Patinated Bronze & Uranium (Vaseline) Glass Pendant / Lantern
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and all handcrafted light fixture of perfect design and proportions. If you are looking for an early 1900s, stylish and top quality crafted light to grace your entry hall, land...
Brass, Bronze
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
Italian Art Nouveau Brass and Glass Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
An elegant Italian brass gilt chandelier, in the early 20th century. Diameter:60 cm. Height:90 cm.
Bronze, 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
Lantern Adolf Loos style
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Ceiling pendant light made of brass and cut glass. High-quality craftsmanship. Molded circa 1960. Height of glass shade: 35 cm; overall height adjustable. Diameter: 23 cm. 1 E27 so...
Brass
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Brass Art Nouveau Lantern, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning Art Nouveau lantern. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid brass with original glass shades. Rewired with one socket for E-27 light bulb. In very good condition wi...
Brass
Brass Jugendstil Glass Tubes Pendant Chandelier, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Early 20th century brass Pende edition by Woka Lamps with handmade glass-tubes Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label ou...
Brass
$3,584 / item
Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Brass Lantern, Re- Edition
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Suitable with to the magnificent chandelier HH2 of our collection. Material used is brass, optionally varnished or nickel-plated, all other surfaces on request, hand-cut crystal-glas...
Brass
Antique French Brass and Glass Hall Lantern, Art Nouveau Style Two-Light Pendant
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique French Brass and Glass Hall Lantern, Art Nouveau Style Two-Light Pendant, circa 1920. This elegant antique French two-light pendant lantern, dating to circa 1920, is a fine ...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstätte Wall Light, Lantern, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
This is a great lamp from Josef Hoffmann most important building - the Purkersdorf Sanatorium. The reading room at the first floor - on the original image one can see the lamp in the...
Crystal, Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Pendant Lantern, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A pendant version of the very early Josef Hoffmann table lamp design Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures.
Brass
$908Sale Price|20% Off
Patinated Brass Art Nouveau Lantern with Etched Glass, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Wonderful Art Nouveau lantern. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Patinated brass frame with original etched glass. Rewired with one socket for E27 light bulb. In very good co...
Brass
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Brass Art Nouveau Lantern with Glass, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning Art Nouveau lantern. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Brass frame with original glass. Rewired with one socket for E-27 light bulb. In very good condition with a be...
Brass
Art Nouveau Patinated Brass Lantern, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Art Nouveau lantern. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Original patinated brass frame, chain and ceiling top. The etched glass shade is also original. Rewire...
Brass
Outdoor/Indoor Luminaire Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Wall Lamp, Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Outdoor luminaire from Josef Hoffmann 1904 for the Sanatorium Purkersdorf. Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fi...
Brass
Adolf Loos Jugendstil Chandelier for the Anglo/Austrian Bank Vienna, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
The Anglo-Austrian Bank, founded 1864 with british capital, was an austrian Bank in Vienna. In 1913, the bank had 43 branches. In 1914, Adolf Loos was commissioned with the renovati...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Jugendstil Brass Glass Four-Light Chandelier, 1900-1910
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
One of kind Art Nouveau period brass and cut glass four-light chandelier, France, 1900-1910. Richly elaborate gilt brass with wonderful detailing and green glass panels adorning eac...
Crystal, Brass
Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstätte Lantern, Jugendstil, Re-Edition
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 for several houses: Hohe Warte Hennebe...
Brass
Adolf Loos for the Anglo Austrian Bank Vienna Chandelier Jugendstil re Edition
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
The Anglo-Austrian bank, founded 1864 with British capital, was an Austrian Bank in Vienna. In 1913, the bank had 43 branches. In 1914, Adolf Loos was commissioned with the renovatio...
Brass
Art Nouveau Patinated Bronze and Frosted Glass Six-Light Chandelie
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Large Art Nouveau solid patinated bronze six-light chandelier with beautiful frosted glass candle shaped shades, France, 1910-1920. Number of lights: Six E14 bulb sockets. Rewired an...
Bronze
Midcentury Brass Opaline Glass Suspension Lantern with Tall Clear Glass Chimney
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Burnished brass and opaline glass suspension lantern in Art Nouveau style, circa 1950. Three brass hanging chains connected to a decorative canopy....
Brass
Jugendstil lantern by Adolf Loos
By Adolf Loos
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Lamp in cubic shape with cutted glass and bronze connections designed by Adolf Loos circa 1915.
Brass
Pair of French Iron Art Nouveau Glass Panel Lantern Pendent Light Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of French iron scroll fixtures in the Art Nouveau motif, with glass panels set into each pagoda lantern form each with three candel...
Iron
Antique candle lantern in blue glass and brass, electrified, Austria 1890s
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a striking late 19th century hanging lantern, distinguished by its richly textured turquoise glass reservoir and ornate gilt brass framework. The hand-...
Brass
Pair of 20th Century French Lanterns
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a stunning pair of early 20th-century French iron hanging lanterns, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and design. The intricate hand-beaten ironwork features elegant scrolli...
Iron
$812Sale Price|20% Off
Patinated Brass Art Nouveau Lantern with Original Glass Shade, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning Art Nouveau hall lantern. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Patinated brass frame with original glass shade. Rewired with one original socket for E-27 light bulb. Th...
Brass
Sconce, Style: Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, French, 1900
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Sconce , French Style: Art Nouveau Country. French We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982.If you have any questions we are at yo...
Iron
An Italian Red Tole Metal Lantern with Cut Glass, Early 20th C.
Located in Antwerp, BE
An Italian red tôle lantern from the early 20th century. This antique lantern from Italy has a cut glass with a cut star motif in the middle.Note that...
Metal
Small Lantern, Art Nouveau style
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
Small Art Nouveau ceiling light made of brass and four curved glass shades. Designed around 1910; manufactured around 1950. One E27 socket.
Brass
Pair of spectacular French Patinaed Fleur De Lis Gourdes With Lamp application.
Located in Bronx, NY
This Pair of Monumental French Patinaed Fleur De Lis Gourdes With Lamp application have so much appeal as they add a tremendous character to any space w...
Ceramic
1900 Style Lantern, circa 1930-1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1900 style lantern, circa 1930-1950.
Metal
Art Nouveau Patinated Brass Hall Lantern, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Art Nouveau hall lantern. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Original patinated brass frame with original etched glass shade. Rewired with one original socket fo...
Brass
Otto Wagner Metro Stations Vienna Jugendstil Pendant, Re-Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Modernistic pendant-light. Important design for the underground lines of the Wiener Stadtbahn. There he combined visible structural details with contemporary elements of arts. The me...
Brass
Art Nouveau Patinated Bronze and Brass Candle Chandelier, Seven Candleholders
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Large Art Nouveau solid patinated bronze and parcel brass six-arm candle chandelier, richly ornate with six lateral candle holders and one in the center, France, 1920-1929. Measures...
Brass, Bronze
French Art Nouveau Stained-Glass Lantern, 1890-1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Art Nouveau Stained Glass Lantern, France, Circa 1890–1900 – Vintage Iron & Stained Glass Lighting This magnificent French Art Nouveau stain...
Wrought Iron
$490Sale Price / item|59% Off
Brass Faceted Glass Pendant Lantern
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass frame gold-plated with six feceted glasses in the style of Adolf Loos from the 1970's. Dimention of the lamp only 8.26x8.26.15.74inch Total height 78.74inch
Brass
1900 Art Nouveau Gold and Blue Painted Iron Lantern
Located in Catania, Sicilia
It's an Italian procession lantern, now if electrified, it can be used as a charming pendant. The gilded and blue iron it's in original conditions a...
Iron
Art Nouveau Gilt and Patinated Bronze Seven-Light Chandelier, France, 1920-1929
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Large Art Nouveau solid gild and patinated bronze parcel brass seven-light chandelier, six light arms richly ornate, France, 1920-1929. This chandelier has been electrified with sev...
Brass, Bronze
19th Century English Art Nouveau Verdigris Lantern
Located in Staffordshire, GB
19th century English Art Nouveau verdigris lantern, circa 1890. A lovely example of an Art Nouveau verdigris lantern. Rewired, pat tes...
Copper
Italian Brass Chandelier with Lilies and Cranberry Glass
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful six-light chandelier with lilies and centre bowl is clear cranberry glass. Measures: Diameter 55 cm. Height 85 cm. Six E14 bulbs.
Brass
Wonderful Art Deco Nouveau Brass Elongated Art Glass Panel Round Lantern Fixture
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Art Deco / Nouveau Style Brass Elongated Cylinder With Art Glass Panels Lantern Light Fixture Having 4 Candelabra Sockets
Brass
Large Viennese Stairwell or House Entrance Lantern
Located in Vienna, AT
Lantern with painted steel and brass frame with four glasses and three E14 sockets vienna from the 1960's. price per piece, up to 3 available.
Brass
German Art Nouveau Wrought Iron Entrance Lantern
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Nouveau lantern made in Germany circa 1950, glazed body, decorated with green colored and ornamented glass, electrified and fitted with one E27 socket, some signs of age and wear...
Steel
Art Nouveau Style Gilt Metal Three-Light Lantern with Subtle Scrolling Effects
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Midcentury Continental Art Nouveau style gilt metal lantern with three lights. Immerse your space in the classic elegance of the Art Nou...
Metal
Lantern Style, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, French, 1900 in Iron and Murano
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Lantern Style: Art Nouveau Country. French We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you are looking for an chandelier to match t...
Iron
Large Viennese Stairwell or House Entrance Lantern, Art Nouveau Style
Located in Vienna, AT
Laten in Art Nouveau style with painted steel and brass frame with six glasess and three E27 Sockets Vienna from the 1960's. Dimetion of the lamp only: 41x41x64cm (16.14x16.14x25.19...
Brass, Steel
small Lantern, circa 1930-1950
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
1900 style lantern, circa 1930-1950. 1 cracked white tile, small loss on a red tile (see photos)
Metal