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
Beautiful Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique European Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Handmade Religious Ex-Voto A striking and delicately crafted religious Ex-Voto, sourced from an estate sale in Parma, Italy. The piece appears to be made from thin, lightw...
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
Early 20th Cent Elegant Dance Ball Bird Couple Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature
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
Liberty & Co. Small Art Nouveau Type Sterling Silver Photo / Picture Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed English picture frame in the Art Nouveau style. Made by Liberty & Co. of London in 1987. In sterling silver. With an oval opening perfect for portraits framed by sil...
Sterling Silver
20th Century Dachshund Dog Family Puppies Austrian 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
Pair of Antique Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Brass GEC Wall Lamps. c.1920
By General Electric Company (GEC) 1
Located in London, GB
A high quality pair of brass wall lamps made in England by GEC. c.1920 Beautifully designed wall lamps leaning into the Art Nouveau design period. Constructed from cast brass, retai...
Brass
Majolica Iris Vase Massier, circa 1880
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica iris vase Massier unsigned of the end of 19th century. Art Nouveau period. Height / 9 inches.
Ceramic
$6,150
Thonet Bench 1865
By Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet Bench 1865
Bentwood
$574Sale 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
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s - Solid pine and Larch with original cast iron handles - Decorative carved sides and front - 20 large drawers - The top has been given ...
Iron
Rare Art Nouveau Armchair by H.P. Mutters & Zoon, Walnut Frame, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Art Nouveau armchair. Design by H.P. Mutters & Zoon Den Haag. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid American walnut frame with hand-carved decora...
Wicker, Walnut
19th Century French Faience Duck Jardiniere Saint Clement
Located in Austin, TX
19th Century French Faience Duck Jardiniere Saint Clement ( Lorraine ) Model created for the universal exhibition of 1878.
Ceramic, Majolica, Faience
Antique Jugendstil Art Nouveau Hammered Copper and Wrought Iron Fireplace Screen
Located in Hannover, DE
A remarkably decorative and authentic original Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) fireplace screen, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1895–1915, showcasing the unmistakable organic elega...
Copper, Wrought Iron
Scalloped Bronze Bowl by Niels Dam Ravn, 1930s, Denmark
By N. Dam Ravn
Located in Værløse, DK
Scalloped Bronze Bowl designed by Niels Dam Ravn in the 1930s. * Scalloped bronze Bowl with floral motifs * Designer: Niels Dam Ravn * Manufacturer: Nordisk Malm * Periode: 1930s *...
Brass
French Majolica White Daisy Plate Orchies, circa 1890
By Orchies
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica white daisy plate Orchies, circa 1890.
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Figural Lamp, by Viennese Sculptor Theodor Ullmann (1903-1996)
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is an Art Nouveau figural table lamp dating from the late 19th century to early 20th century (circa 1890–1915), a period famous for blending functional everyday objects with...
Bronze
Émile Gallé Cameo Glass Cabinet Vase, "Clematis" Motif, Nancy, France, c. 1908
By Émile Gallé, Gallé
Located in Bochum, NRW
A fine multi-layered cameo glass cabinet vase, an authentic Art Nouveau piece. The naturalistic decor depicts the Clematis flower, achieved through meticulous acid-etching. The deta...
Art Glass
Brass Jugendstil picture frame with glass around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Brass Jugendstil picture frame with glass around 1908 Brass Polished and stove enameled Glass in front of the picture Picture size: Hight: 16cm Wide: 10,5cm The picture is not incl...
Brass
$1,671Sale Price|20% Off
French Lounge Chair With Sheep Leather And Velvet In The Manner Of Louis Chambry
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant early 20th century French lounge chair, executed in the spirit of Louis Chambry, combining sculptural form with rich, tactile materials. The cha...
Leather, Velvet, Oak, Pine
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
1940s Slim Jugendstil Swedish Club Chair Patinated Tan Brown Leather
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant and refined Swedish “Tiger” club chair from the 1920s, executed in rich dark brown leather. This slender model reflects the influence of Jugendstil (Art Nouveau), combining s...
Leather, Beech, Pine
Émile Gallé Art Nouveau Cameo Glass Vase with Fern Motif, c. 1904
By Gallé, Émile Gallé
Located in Bochum, NRW
Émile Gallé, Vase Fougères/Ferns Décor, Nancy, c. 1904–1906 An exceptional and authentic Art Nouveau cameo glass vase by Établissement Émile Gallé, manufactured between 1904 and 19...
Art Glass
Alphonse Mucha Lithograph Art Nouveau "Au Paradis des Bebes" 1902 Paris
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A vintage lithograph of a glamorous woman of the Art Nouveau era done by the famed artist Alphonse Mucha known for his flowing detailed art depicting mostly woman in a sexy but digni...
Paper
Antique French Romantic Floral Ceramic Wall Sink, Circa 1900
Located in Stockholm, SE
An elegant antique French wall-mounted ceramic sink dating to the turn of the 20th century, exquisitely decorated with hand-painted floral motifs in soft, muted tones. This piece ref...
Ceramic
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstätte "Fabric Department" Chandelier, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
A simple but sensational fixture, designed by Josef Hoffmann, for the fabric department of the Wiener Werkstaette on Kaerntnerstrasse in Vienna. Style and color of the fabric custom ...
Silk
Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstaette Fabric Department Pendant, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A simple but sensational fixture, designed by Josef Hoffmann, for the fabric department of the Wiener Werkstaette on Kaerntnerstrasse in Vienna. Style and color of the fabric custom-...
Silk
Wiener Werkstaette Josef Hoffmann "Graben Cafe" 45 Pendant Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally a Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. This one was designed for the famous Graben Cafè in Vienna - Comes in all sizes. ...
Brass
Art Nouveau Cast Iron Plant Stand with Chestnut Leaves, c. 1880-1890
Located in Hannover, DE
An exceptionally decorative and finely cast Art Nouveau plant stand dating from approximately 1880–1890. This remarkable piece displays an extraordinary level of casting quality, fe...
Lacquer, Cast Iron
Dutch Gouda Vase, Zuid Corona Pattern, Art Nouveau Stoneware, Holland, 1922
By Koninklijke Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland
Located in Glasgow, GB
This Dutch Gouda vase by Zuid, produced in Holland in 1922, features the Corona pattern with richly hand-painted floral decoration inspired by the flowing organic forms of the Art No...
Enamel
Signed Thonet Bentwood Hall Tree with Mirror
By Thonet
Located in Troy, MI
This bentwood hall tree by Thonet is constructed of steam-bent beech, with two tall posts each topped by a turned finial and a cluster of scrolling bentwood coat hooks. An arched rai...
Glass, Mirror, Bentwood, Beech
Eliel Saarinen Cranbrook "The Blue Settee" Art Nouveau Settle Sofa or Bench
By Adelta, Eliel Saarinen
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and outstanding Art Nouveau style settle sofa or bench Designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1929 Produced by Adelta Oy Finland, 1980s Painted solid birch wood frame, with sawtoot...
Upholstery, Birch, Lacquer
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Wall or Ceiling Light, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
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
Hanging Lamp from the showroom of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Josef Hoffmann
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Hammered Hanging- lamp from the showrooms of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Hoffmann in several variations. Works-number M115, pattern-book of the Wiener Werkstaette: WWMB 3 p. 256-2...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Heavy Brass Etched Glass Lantern Pendant Light, 1920s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Classic French gilded brass Art Nouveau hall lantern. Brass frame and gallery with balloon-shaped etched glass. Around 1900-1930 Height including chain and canopy: 75 cm / 29.53 in...
Brass, Gold Plate
Maria Theresa Style Crystal Chandelier Handmade Luxury European Chandelier
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptional crystal chandelier is entirely newly handcrafted in our Berlin workshop and represents the timeless elegance of the classic Maria Theresa style combined with modern ...
Crystal
Monumental Art Nouveau table lamp by Paul Aichele, goddess Athena, Germany 1910s
Located in Forserum, SE
A large and highly impressive Art Nouveau table or floor lamp by the German sculptor Paul Aichele (1859–1920), produced in the 1910s. Crafted in finely cast bronze, the piece is cent...
Bronze
1920 English Huntley & Palmers Chinoiserie Jar on Stand Biscuit Tin Box
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1920 Huntley & Palmers Chinoiserie Jar on Stand Biscuit Tin Box. Faux craquelure glazed "jar" decorated with phoenix birds, rising sun, & flowering bamboo. Great handles & borders. B...
Metal, Tin
Beautiful Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique European Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Handmade Religious Ex-Voto A striking and delicately crafted religious Ex-Voto, sourced from an estate sale in Parma, Italy. The piece appears to be made from thin, lightw...
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
Large Antique Catholic Reliquary Box Crucifix Pendant with 11 Relics of Saints
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This antique 19th Century metal reliquary is a finely handcrafted devotional object containing 11 third-class relics of saints, each identified with paper scrolls and set against a r...
Metal, Brass
Antique Large Sacred Heart Ex-Voto, Flaming Heart, PGR (Per Grazia Ricevuta)
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Handmade large Religious Ex-Voto A striking and delicately crafted religious Ex-Voto, sourced from an estate sale in Parma, Italy. The piece appears to be made from thin, ...
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
Tiffany Favrile Pulled Feather Miniature Vase
Located in Fulton, CA
A fine Louis Comfort Tiffany Favrile organic "Pulled Feather" miniature cabinet vase. Circa. 1894-1920. Signed and numbered "L.C.T." "Y 730". Beautiful deep blue-purple base with co...
Art Glass
Tiffany Style Lotus Flower and Lily Leaded Glass Table Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Lovely, large leaded glass table lamp after Louis Comfort Tiffany with shade featuring berry vine motif and standard with iridescent turtleback glass. 34 1/2 inches tall and 22 inch...
Art Glass
Art Nouveau Brass & Iron, Clear Cut Glass Flush Mount
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Cast gas pendants / ceiling lamp ca. 1900 Cast Iron top with clear cut glass shade Diameter ceiling plate 19 cm / 7.48 inches Weight: 2.60 kg / 5.7 lb Priced per individual item. ...
Brass, Iron
Secessionist Bronze Icon Vase by Gustav Gurschner
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We do not ship pieces uninsured. We require shipping through 1stDibs, for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services...
Bronze
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 Maria Theresa Style Crystal Chandelier Handmade Luxury European Chandelier
Located in Berlin, DE
This exceptional crystal chandelier is entirely newly handcrafted in our Berlin workshop and represents the timeless elegance of the classic Maria Theresa style combined with modern ...
Crystal
Large Crystal Rustic Antique Chandelier Classic Traditional Solid Wide Glass
Located in Berlin, DE
A magnificent antique Art Nouveau crystal chandelier. Carefully restored and ready for immediate use, this piece is a true eye-catcher for any elegant interior. Dimensions: Overall ...
Crystal, Iron, Wire
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
Louis Majorelle Style Antique French Art Nouveau Carved Burled Walnut Bookcase
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful antique French Art Nouveau bibliotheque bookcase cabinet In the manner of Louis Majorelle France, Circa 1900 Gorgeous carved burled walnut, with mullioned beveled gla...
Brass
Majolica Parrot Tulip Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1900
Located in Austin, TX
Majolica Parrot Tulip Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1900. Height / 9.5 inches. The Massier family are known for the quality of their unique enamels and paintings. They produced an incr...
Majolica, Ceramic
French Art Nouveau Style Dressing Armoire Beveled Mirror, circa 1920
Located in Labrit, Landes
French two doors cabinet. A bevelled mirror on the central door. An elegant storage cabinet made of solid ash and burl ash veneer, dating from the early 20th century. Its refined des...
Brass
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
Wiener Werkstaette Josef Hoffmann "Graben Cafe" 55 Pendant Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally a Josef Hoffmann design for the Staekelborg, Knips and for the Berta Zuckerkandl Mansion. This one was designed for the famous Graben Cafè in Vienna - Comes in all sizes. ...
Brass
Art Nouveau Green Double Handled Ceramic Vase, Japan, 1900s
Located in Glasgow, GB
An Art Nouveau Awaji vase, crafted on Japan’s Awaji Island in the early 1900s, reflecting the region’s celebrated ceramic tradition, known for bold decorative forms and experimental ...
Ceramic
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette brass and Silk Floorlamp floor lamp Jugendstil
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
The Villa Ast, is one of the most important private houses from the 20th century in Carinthia USA and CAN: Most electrical components according to the UL reg...
Brass
$2,270Sale Price|20% Off
1930 Alabaster Pendant With Rope Suspension and Alabaster Matching Canopy Sweden
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Art Nouveau alabaster bowl pendant lamp, dated 1931. The lamp features a beautifully veined alabaster shade suspended by knotted cords, giving the piece a distinctive and decorative ...
Alabaster
Antique Victorian Aesthetic Arts Nouveau Stained Slag Glass Parlor Lamp 25"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Victorian era Aesthetic Movement / Art Nouveau style table lamp. Mushroom shaped lamp crafted of swirling blue, white, and purple slag glass framed...
Slag Glass
Tapestry Designed by Alf Lundeby, Woven by Ragnhild Prestgard, Norway, 1913–1914
Located in Valby, 84
Executed in gobelin technique in wool and cotton, the field depicting a stylised enchanted forest through which deer move among slender elongated tree trunks, birds animating the upp...
Fabric
19th Century French Bamboo Octagonal Side Table
Located in High Point, NC
19th century French bamboo side table with octagonal top. The top is lovely and is banded in bamboo molding, following down to bamboo angled supports and splayed legs. The legs are...
Bamboo
Art Nouveau Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Art Nouveau Ironmongers Shop Counter Drawers Circa 1910s - Solid pine and Larch with original cast iron handles - Decorative carved sides and front - 30 large drawers - The top has...
Iron
$2,674Sale Price|20% Off
1940s Swedish Floor Lamp With Three Red Satin Shades
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1940s brass floor lamp with a solid bronze base. The lamp features three adjustable arms, each fitted with its original red satin shade. All three light points can be switched indivi...
Brass