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 Vanity / Table Mirror "The First Cuckoo" by WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Art Nouveau Vanity / Table Mirror "The First Cuckoo" by WMF, circa 1906. A poetic example of Jugendstil artistry, this vintage Art Nouveau vanity or tabletop mirror titled “T...
Brass, Copper
$3,092Sale Price|60% Off
Antique Art Nouveau Tabletop Vanity Mirror with Maiden Silverplated Pewter WMF
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This antique Art Nouveau vanity mirror, possibly by WMF, is a unique piece. The faceted mirror is in very good condition, with only minor sig...
Silver Plate, Pewter
Tiffany Studios New York "Peacock" Favrile Glass and Bronze Mirror
Located in New York, NY
A common theme in the Tiffany Studios New York oeuvre, the peacock motif, as can be seen in this exquisite "Peacock" mirror, was a well-loved and oft-used theme. Featuring a finely s...
Bronze
An Art Nouveau Silver Plated Table Vanity Mirror by W.M.F.
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This Art Nouveau table vanity mirror features an elegant, silver-plated design. The mirror is rectangular with a decorative crest at the top, showcasing classic Art Nouveau motifs. I...
Silver Plate
Decorative blue enamel and brass Art Nouvaeu dressing-table mirror, England 1910
Located in London, GB
Elaborate finely worked brass and enamel dressing-table mirror. The original bevelled mirror is surrounded by a thin brass frame with striking blue enamel panels inset with brass det...
Brass, Enamel
$1,811Sale Price|47% Off
Art Nouveau WMF Maiden Mirror, circa 1906, Germany
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Art Nouveau WMF Mirror, circa 1906, Germany, silver plated, pattern number 108a. Original beveled glass mirror and wood back, the frame decorated with openwork foliage and a reclinin...
Silver Plate
Antique American Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Hand Mirror
Located in New York, NY
American Art Nouveau sterling silver hand mirror, ca 1890. Beveled glass in round frame with baluster handle. In dense low-relief are swans with whiplash necks, a nymph with tentacul...
Sterling Silver
Antique Art Nouveau Cast Figural Metal Pedestal Ladies Dresser or Vanity Mirror
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique cast figural ladies pedestal dresser mirror is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in France in circa 1890 in the period Art Nouveau style. The base of the mirror i...
Metal
$461Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Silver Plated Hand Held Mirror
Located in Worcester Park, GB
An exquisite antique hand mirror crafted in the Art Nouveau style, featuring elegant flowing lines and high-relief floral decoration. The sculptural handle and back are richly adorne...
Silver Plate
Antique Art Nouveau Tabletop Vanity Oval Beveled Mirror w/Candle Holders
Located in Topeka, KS
Nostalgic antique Art Nouveau to Victorian tabletop vanity mirror composed of a mix of brass, copper, & bronze stand w/hand stamped decorative off-set crown piece, original oval ...
Brass, Bronze, Copper
$599Sale Price|20% Off
French Art Nouveau Silver Plate Dresser Vanity Table Easel Back Mirror, c. 1900
Located in Pearland, TX
An antique French silverplated dresser tabletop vanity easel back mirror with a lovely Art Nouveau floral design, circa 1900. It would be beautiful displa...
Silver Plate
WMF Silver Plate ART NOUVEAU vanity / dresser mirror
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Art Nouveau vanity mirror.. Hinged mirror with floral motif and shallow basin below, Germany, early 20th c.; Nice original condition.. Wonderful patina , surface , finish.
Silver Plate
WMF Art Nouveau Figural Vanity Mirror “Echo” Model 131 Silver Plated
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Elegant Art Nouveau figural vanity mirror produced by WMF in Germany. The sculptural silver-plated frame features a graceful maiden in flowing drapery leaning toward the mirror bene...
Silver Plate
$2,750Sale Price|21% Off
WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist Mirror, Germany, circa 1905
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Rare WMF Art Nouveau Jugendstil Secessionist pewter mirror, Germany, circa 1905. All original bevelled glass, back and easel, bracket cornice supports, stylised border with open arts...
Pewter
Art Nouveau Chrysanthemum French Pewter Hand Mirror
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From the Art Nouveau period, a Pewter vanity hand mirror, France – circa 1900. Inspired by nature, Art Nouveau is an international style that emerged in the 1890s and was popular u...
Pewter
Early 1900 Luigi Fontana Fontana Arte Art Nouveau Table Mirror
Located in Brescia, IT
Liberty Table Mirror Luigi Fontana, Milano Italy, early 1900 Antique cut mirror with floral silver bronze frame Wood Back side "L. Fontana & C. Milano" signed on the back First and...
Metal
19th Century French Champleve Enameled Bronze and Onyx Table Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Antique (late 19th century) French table or boudoir mirror finely crafted from green onyx stone and mounted with bronze stand and and inlaid with champleve enamel designs. With oval...
Onyx, Bronze, Enamel
Vintage 19th Century Convent Reliquary Mirror
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exquisite 19th-century brass reliquary mirror is a rare artifact of Victorian elegance and sacred history. Originally used in a convent setting, the piece features a heavy, hand...
Brass
$441Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Table Mirror Gilded Bronze Vanity Mirror Art Nouveau
Located in Poperinge, BE
Antique table mirror, dressing mirror or make-up mirror with jewelry tray and original mirror glass made entirely of gilded bronze, graceful floral and animal decoration, entirely in...
Bronze, Gold Leaf
Late 19th Century Venetian Vanity Console Art Nouveau by Testolini & Salviati
By Salviati
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Very importsant console vanity in solid walnut, finely hand-carved, with top shaped grey marble. Very special processing that surrounds the rectangular mirror by Salviati Murano, dep...
Mirror, Walnut
Original Murano glass mirror, Italy 1950s
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Charming Murano glass mirror made in Venice (Italy) in the 1950s. The mirror can be used as a table mirror or wall mirror. The mirror is in a very good, vintage condition. Dimension...
Murano Glass, Wood
Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Hand Mirror
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1930s French Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Vanity Hand Mirror. Similar to the Swedish Modernist style of Sylvia Stave for C. G. Hallberg. With a relief of a woman holding a bouquet of ...
Sterling Silver
$1,540Sale Price|38% Off
WMF Large Art Nouveau Silver on Pewter Mirror, Germany, circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Toronto, Ontario
WMF large Art Nouveau silver on pewter mirror, Germany, circa 1900. The original bevelled mirror conforming to shaped foliage design, original easel and back. WMF G beehive mark and ...
Silver Plate
Art Nouveau (7) Piece Sterling Silver Vanity "Necessaire" Ensemble Circa 1894
Located in Incline Village, NV
Fabulous hard to find late 19th century Art Nouveau ensemble of seven marked sterling silver vanity items to decorate and utilize for the commode; consisting of; 1) Matching hallmar...
Sterling Silver
Mirror Sign, WMF, Year, 1910, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, German
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Amaizing mirror Silver plated Sign: Page: 297 in the Book – Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork from WMF Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik: The English Catalogue 1906 Hardcover WMF G: ...
Metal
Swedish Designer, Small Table Mirror, Copper, Sweden, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A hammered and darkened copper mirror designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1920s.
Copper
German Jugenstil Silvered Table Mirror, Ca. 1900
Located in New York, NY
This grand German Jugenstil mirror in the Secessionist taste features three laconically designed but highly functional sections. The upper section is a large round swiveling pane of ...
Metal
Early 20th Century Czech Painted Bohemian Figural Vanity Mirror Signed Schloop
Located in Dallas, TX
This exquisite table mirror, signed by T. Schloop, is a remarkable example of Bohemian craftsmanship and artistry. Hand crafted and hand painted in the Czech Republic circa 1920, the...
Earthenware, Porcelain
20th Century Beech Wood French Art Nouveau Cheval Mirror, 1900
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
French Art Nouveau cheval mirror from the 20th century. Finely carved and chiseled object in beech wood for antique dealers and collectors. Beautifully decorated bedroom or living ro...
Wood
Gorgeous 90's French style Italian bronze table mirror
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
Gorgeous Italian bronze French-style table mirror from the 1990s - Private collection Domenico Rugiano
Bronze
$2,450Sale Price|30% Off
Friedrich Adler Art Nouveau Jugendstil Pewter Mirror
By Friedrich Adler
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Art Nouveau Jugendstil pewter mirror designed by Friedrich Adler for Osiris, Germany, circa 1901. The mirror with surround of two peacocks. Stamped on reverse Osiris 521 height: 12 i...
Pewter
Gilt Bronze Mirror and Candlestick, France, 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Gilt bronze mirror and candlestick. France, 19th century. Dimensions mirror: 39 cm height. 26 cm depth. 20 cm width. Dimensions candlestick: 20 cm height. 8 cm depth. 11 cm width.
Bronze
French Art Nouveau tin and amboyna burl vanity mirror 1910s
Located in Paris, IDF
This unique vanity mirror crafted from tin, mother-of-pearl, and amboyna burl is of French origin and dates back to the early 20th century. The o...
Tin
Late 19th Century "Cloisonné Table Mirror" French Gilt Bronze
Located in London, GB
A wonderful late 19th Century Art Nouveau ormolu photoraph frame decorated with a floral motif highlighted with hand painted enamel patterned border ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Height: ...
Bronze
American Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Vanity Table Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Turn-of-the-century Art Nouveau sterling silver mirror. Made by Lebkuecher in Newark. Two bracket supports joined by concave and crisscrossing stretchers. Hinged swing oval frame inset with beveled glass. Dense and fluid engraved scrolls, leaves, and flowers on lined ground. Each support has shaped cartouche (vacant). Glass frame engraved with interlaced script monogram. A timeless addition to a lady’s vanity...
Sterling Silver
Mirror Sign: Wmf, Year: 1910, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, German
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Amaizing mirror Silver plated Sign: WMF G: Introduces on the 1 st June 1910, in the interests of improved legibility, especially of the very small marks. The company´s choice of an ...
Metal
An Art Nouveau mirror by the French 19th century sculptor Louis Auguste Moreau.
Located in Central England, GB
This stylish and heavily cast solid pewter mirror is a freestanding table mirror with a hinged easel back stand that folds out onto a stop hinge to support the mirror. The mirror frame is a sculptural work of art. It was designed and produced by the 19th century French artist and sculptor Louis Auguste Moreau who was born in 1855 and worked in France producing much of his work in bronze in an Art Nouveau...
Pewter
Antique Art Nouveau Silvered Table Mirror, 1890s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A real nice Art Nouveau table mirror that is silver plated. Has a dolphin and a cherub face in the casting. Chain looks new, and silver is in good condition could have been re plated...
Spelter
Art nouveau mirror Orivit Jugendstil 1920 Metallwarenfabrik Germany - G883
By Orivit
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Rare art nouveau mirror from the 20's from the German factory Orivit. Structure of the mirror in solid pewter and mirror. Very nice manufacturing detail on the pewter with the face of a woman...
Pewter
Vintage Art Nouveau Style Brass Vanity Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Art Nouveau Style Beautifully Detailed Brass Mirror
Brass
Mirror, Year, 1910, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
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 your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'View All ...
Metal
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Mirror Argentor
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Art Nouveau mirror -argentor- Origin Germany circa 1910 perfect condition - electro plated pewter your measurements are open. Art nouveau, modernist art or modernism was an internati...
Metal
France Mirror Mythological, Year: 1900, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Amaizing mirror Silver plated 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 your disposal. Pushing th...
Mirror
Big Bear Mirror Sign, WMF, Year, 1910, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, German
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Amaizing mirror Book: Buenos Aires Art Deco y Racionalismo Author: Mimi Bohm Page: 68 Year: 1910 Silver plated Book : Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork page: 296 Sign: WMF G with ostr...
Metal
$799Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Table Mirror
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Art Nouveau table mirror Silver metal Origin Germany Circa 1915 Perfect condition Decorated with Roses. Materials Silvered bronze and wood Art Nuvea...
Metal, Bronze
Silver Plate Mirror, Art Nouveau Period. France, circa 1890
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Silver plate mirror, Art Nouveau period. France, circa 1890.
Silver Plate
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
WMF Art Nouveau Easel Mirror
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in New York, NY
Jugendstil Secessionist make up mirror - elegant silver plate bevelled plate glass shield form mirror. Some minor alligatoring to the mirror silvering, normal and consistent with age...
Silver Plate
19th Century Italian Barbotine Mirror
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th Century Italian Art Nouveau Barbotine Mirror This exquisite 19th-century Italian mirror showcases the finest craftsmanship of the Art Nou...
Ceramic, Majolica
Antique French bronze mirror with angel 1930s
By Mice di rugiano domenico e c. s.n.c.
Located in Cantù, IT
French antique bronze mirror with angels 1930s - Private Collection Domenico Rugiano
Bronze
Table Mirror in cooper Art Nouveau Period, Austia 1900
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Small Mirror in Art Cooper, copper color. Table Mirror, it has been in Austria circa 1900.
Art Glass
English Sterling Silver Dresser Mirror in Art Nouveau Style with Felt Back
Located in New York, NY
English hammered sterling silver dresser mirror in Art Nouveau style, with exquisite floral and geometric motifs, with a felt back, from the 20th century. It measures 11 3/4'' in hei...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Art Nouveau Adorned Gothic Repoussé Mirror by Alfred Daguet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Brass
2-Piece French Art Nouveau Silver Brush Set
Located in Queens, NY
2-Piece French Art Nouveau silver vanity brush set with repoussé floral designs. Hallmarks on side. (PRICED AS SET)
Silver
$2,188Sale Price|20% Off
Table Mirror, Art Nouveau, 1920
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Table mirror, Art Nouveau, 1920 Silver plated metal table mirror on mahogany, Art Nouveau period, 1920. Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability. Measures: H: 50 ...
Metal
Large WMF Art Nouveau german table mirror in chromed pewter circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible big WMF table mirror in cromed pewter circa 1900 pivoting Art Nouveau.
Pewter
Mirror Sign, WMF, Year, 1910, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, German
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Amaizing mirror Silver plated Sign: WMF G: Introduces on the 1 st June 1910, in the interests of improved legibility, especially of the very small marks. The company´s choice of an ...
Mirror
Vintage French, Gold Dore' table mirror. Early 20 Th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A larger size Table Mirror in very fine metal work and with a hi-light polished Gold Dire' plated finish . No factory marks except on the back of the support leg . Looks like an ( I...
Metal
An Art Nouveau toilet mirror
Located in London, GB
Stunning figural mirrors such as this would have adorned the bedrooms of society ladies throughout the 19th and into the early 20th centuries! The circular base, raised on four feet ...
Silver Plate
Big Mirror with Lion Paws Sign, WMF, 1910, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, German
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Amaizing mirror Silver plated and mirror Sign: WMF G: Introduces on the 1 st June 1910, in the interests of improved legibility, especially of the very small marks. The company´s cho...
Metal
Mirror Sign: WMF, Year: 1910, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty, German
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Amaizing mirror Silver plated Sign: WMF G with ostrich = The first WMF impressed mark, used from 1880 to 1925 for silver-plated Hollow-ware, and until 1930 for export articles. The...
Metal