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.
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
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
20th Century Cat Musician Vocalist 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
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
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
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
Owl misteltoe figurine porcelain Hutschenreuther art dep Prof. Klee 1918 Germany
By Professor Fritz Klee, Lorenz Hutschenreuther
Located in Wien, AT
Wonderful perfectly preserved owl sculpture on a pedestal, made of white porcelain, partly gilded, handmade in the world famous German porcelain manufactory Hutschenreuther. The pol...
Porcelain
20th Century Cat Musician playing Cymbal 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
Mid-20th Century Pate de Verre Glass Sculpture "Frog on a Lilypad" by Daum Glass
By Daum
Located in London, GB
A delightful mid 20th Century French Pate-de-Verre study of a seated frog on a lily pad with eye catching colour and good tactile surface detail, signed Daum France ADDITIONAL INFOR...
Glass
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
Early 20th Century Japanese Bronze Sculpture "Standing Horse" by Kunio Itô
Located in London, GB
An excellent early 20th Century Japanese Animalier bronze study of a bridled horse standing alert. The bronze exhibits very fine hand chased surface detail and wonderful rich brown p...
Bronze
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
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
Early 20th Century Porcelain Pig
Located in Barcelona, ES
Early 20th century porcelain pig. Beautifully patinated and crackled creamy white glaze. Quite possibly an old piggy bank, fed through bottom since slot ...
Porcelain
Franz Bergman Vienna Bronze Lizard Sculpture, Cold-Painted, 1900s
Located in Malmö, SE
Franz Bergman Vienna Bronze Lizard, Early 20th Century A remarkably lifelike Vienna bronze lizard produced by the workshops of Franz Bergman, Vienna, in the early 20th century. Amo...
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
20th Century Cat Musician Conductor 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
Dolphin Fish Metal Bronze Door Stop, Art Nouveau Vintage European 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful and substantial Nautical, cast metal, antique doorstop with original patina finish. Depicting a mythological grotto dolphin style sea ser...
Metal, Bronze
Franz Bergman Vienna Bronze Lizard Sculpture, Cold-Painted, 1900s
Located in Malmö, SE
A remarkably lifelike Vienna bronze lizard produced in the workshops of Franz Bergmann in Vienna during the early twentieth century. Among the most celebrated exponents of Vienna’s ...
Bronze
$329Sale 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
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
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
Vienna Bronze Art Nouveau Lady Bust Signet Antique, Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 20th century Austrian signet, Engraved with AK initials. Nice addition to your desktop or just for your collection of Austrian bronze miniatures. Found at an estate sal...
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
Early 20th Century Pug Dog Musician 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
Mid 19th Century Bronze Animalier 'Buffle D'Eau' by Antoine L Barye
Located in London, GB
This sought after bronze by Antoine Louis Barye depicts a water buffalo in composed profile, embodying quiet strength and natural dignity. The animal stands squarely on a simple rect...
Bronze
20th Century Pate de Verre Glass study entitled "Papillon" by Daum Glass
By Daum
Located in London, GB
An attractive mid 20th Century pate de verre glass study of butterfly rested on a rose with excellent detail and very fine vibrant colour, signed Daum France ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ...
Glass
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
Gilded Bronze Sculpture Of A Pheasant, Early 20th Century, Signed Trodoux.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Gilded bronze sculpture of a pheasant, early 20th century, signed Trodoux. Gilded bronze sculpture depicting a pheasant, signed Trodoux, early 20th century. H: 16 cm, W: 28 cm, D: 8...
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 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 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
Antique Art Nouveau Dane Dog Porcelain Figurine by Heubach Jugendstil
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Elegant Art Nouveau porcelain figurine depicting a reclining Great Dane, crafted by Heubach, Germany, circa 1910. This finely molded piece captures the noble poise of the breed with ...
Porcelain
20th Cent Cat Musician Miniature Figure, Silver Plate Austria
Located in Nuernberg, DE
20th Century Silver plate Figurine, Austria A refined 20th century silver plate figurine, crafted with elegant detailing and timeless appeal. This piece is not marked, but is indica...
Silver Plate
Buccellati Style, Silvered & Gilt Bronze "Love Bird" Catch-All Sculpture
By Buccellati
Located in Atlanta, GA
A finely cast and naturalistically modeled bronze figural sculpture depicting a pair of cockatoos perched side-by-side on a sinuous, gilt branch, which curves gracefully across a bro...
Bronze
Early-20th Century Animalier Bronze Entitled "Seated Alsatian" by Louis Riché
By Louis Riché
Located in London, GB
A striking French Animalier gilt and patina tied bronze study of a seated Alsatian in alert pose with head turned slightly and ears pricked. The surface with excellent naturalistic detail and very fine colour, signed L.Riché and stamped with foundry seal for Thiebaut Frères Additional information Height: 50 cm Width: 46 cm Condition: excellent original condition Foundry: Thiebaut Frères Circa: 1910 Materials: Bronze SKU: 7528 ABOUT Louis Riché Bronze...
Bronze
Patinated bronze ashtray or pocket emptier with Pekingese dog. France 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
The object is designed in the shape of a leaf (likely a water lily or cabbage leaf, typical of the naturalistic repertoire of the era) upon which sits a stretching Pekingese dog. The...
Bronze
Majolica Stork Vase Delphin Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Elegant and rare Majolica stork with a bamboo vase signed Delphin Massier, circa 1890. The Massier are known for the quality of their unique enamels an...
Majolica
$7,000
Symbolist Cat
By Zsolnay
Located in Palm Beach, FL
"It is easy to understand why the rabble dislike cats. A cat is beautiful; it suggests ideas of luxury, cleanliness, and voluptuous pleasures." - Charles Baudelaire Iridescence, which changes in every angle of reflected light, is the perfect complement to a cat’s capricious nature. Zsolnay introduced its patented shiny metallic glaze, known as eosin, in 1893. The small family ceramics workshop begun in Pecs, Hungary by Miklos Zsolnay in 1853 had evolved into a world-class ceramics factory by this time. Zsolnay walked away with the Grand Prix at the 1878 World’s Fair in Paris for its art pottery. Under the stewardship of Vilmos Zsolnay...
Earthenware, Porcelain
French Antique Gilt Bronze and Nacre Trinket Dish, 19th Century
Located in Miami, FL
Intricate French gilt bronze work depicting lovebirds sharing a worm above a pearl egg nest upon a tree, while a cobra nestles at the tree base. The work is ...
Bronze
Limited Edition 20th Century Crystal Glass "Moineau Moqueur" by Marc Lalique
By Marc Lalique
Located in London, GB
An excellent mid 20th Century clear and frosted glass figure of a crouched sparrow with its head and tail turned upwards exhibiting good hand finished detail, signed Lalique France ...
Glass
Brass Stork Sculpture by Karl Hagenauer for Werkstatte Hagenauer Wein
By Karl Hagenauer, Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
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, Nickel
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
Ytiga NOUMATA Rare Sèvres “Rooster” in New Hard-Paste Porcelain, 1915
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, Ytiga Noumata
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
RARE Sèvres “Rooster” in New Hard-Paste Porcelain, 1915, at the Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, Molded by Edmond Dubois After Ytiga Noumata. A remarkably rare hard-paste porcelain ...
Porcelain
Big Silvered Bronze Vienna Dog Sculpture, Paperweight, 1900s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Big silvered bronze Vienna dog sculpture, 1900s. Very good detailed silvered bronze dog sculpture. Perfect as desk paperweight. We have specialized in the ...
Bronze
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
Pair of Glazed Ceramic Flower Vases by Delphine Massier, France, circa 1890.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of Glazed Ceramic Flower Vases by Delphine Massier, France, circa 1890.
Ceramic
20th Century Cat Musician Percussionist Drummer Austrian Vienna Bronze Miniature
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 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
Mid-20th Century Frosted Glass Sculpture "Cat with Paw Raised" by Marc Lalique
By Marc Lalique
Located in London, GB
Charming mid 20th Century clear and frosted glass study of a seated cat with its head raised holding its paw out, exhibiting excellent detail, signed Lalique France ADDITIONAL INFOR...
Glass
Limited Edition Frosted Glass Sculpture entitled "Cat Turning" by Marc Lalique
By Marc Lalique
Located in London, GB
An endearing clear and frosted glass study of a seated cat with its head turned, raised on a decorative plinth exhibiting excellent detail, signed Lalique France ADDITIONAL INFORMAT...
Glass
$385Sale Price|30% Off
Lalique France Crystal Rabbit ”Cesar” Figurine
By Lalique
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Lalique frosted and clear crystal rabbit “Cesar” figurine. The rabbit is lying down with its straight up ears in alert position and very large...
Crystal
Art Nouveau walking stick with greyhound bust handle, bull bone and wood, France
Located in Valladolid, ES
Elegant dark wood walking stick with an bull bone handle carved in the shape of a dog's head, a greyhound or borzoi plus a cord to secure it to the wrist. It has a slender, elongate...
Bone, Wood
Early 20th Century Pug Dog Musician 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
Early 20th Century Pug Dog Musician 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
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
Aqua Turquoise Majolica Turtle Clement Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Aqua Turquoise Majolica Turtle Clement Massier, circa 1890.
Ceramic, Faience
Mid-20th Century Crystal Glass Sculpture entitled "Timore" by Marc Lalique
By Marc Lalique
Located in London, GB
A very sweet French frosted glass sculpture of a walking baby elephant with its trunk curled upwards with very fine eye catching design and detail, signed Lalique France. ADDITIONAL...
Glass
Mid-20th Century Modern German Glazed and Painted Porcelain Frog by Nymphenburg
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century modern german glazed and painted porcelain frog sitting on a rock by manufacturer Nymphenburg By: Nymphenburg Porcelain Material: porcelain, paint, ceramic Techniqu...
Porcelain, Paint, Ceramic