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 Chromolithograph Pair, Ceramics Through the Ages, 1898
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Chromolithograph Pair, Ceramics Through the Ages, Meyers 1898 This attractive pair of original chromolithographs illustrates the history and artistic development of ceramics...
Paper
Art Nouveau Klismos Chair by Sophy A. Christensen, Denmark, C. 1905
Located in Valby, 84
Chair of klismos form in figured birch, the broad rectangular back panel painted with a scene depicting a musician playing the aulos accompanied by a dancing female figure amid styli...
Birch, Paint
Cristallerie d'árt Jar, Cobalt Blue Crystal, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Glorifying the effects of refracted light for 170 years, from Cristallerie d'árt France, in the style of Baccarat. A crystal cobalt blue colored masterpiece, the bowl crystallizes ...
Crystal
$846 / item
Art Nouveau Chairs
Located in London, England
Sculptural statement chairs hailing from Brussels. Very much in keeping with works by Horta et al, displaying exquisite details and line work throughout. Belgium 1910s. H 125cm x ...
Iron
$495Sale Price|20% Off
Wrought Iron French Art Nouveau Children's Armchair, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Art Nouveau children's armchair. Striking French design from the 1900s. Blue lacquered wrought iron. This wonderful Art Nouveau children's armchair is in good co...
Wrought Iron
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
Antique Blue Art Nouveau Vase Rococo Style 38cm
Located in Poperinge, BE
Ceramic vase made of majolica earthenware, elaborately decorated with a typical Art Nouveau design, featuring leaves, stems, and curves inspired by the rocaille or rococo style, circ...
Majolica
Beautiful Lavanite Vase Decorated with Elephants, Art Nouveau, circa 1910
Located in Knivsta, SE
A rare and beautiful Lavanite vase decorated with Elephants. Art Nouveau circa 1910. Probably made by W. Henker & Co in Berlin during the 1910s. Marked Lavanit Patent under the vase....
Cast Stone
Adolf Loos "Knize" Taylorshop Pentagon-Dodekaeder Table/Floor Lamp Re-Edition
By Adolf Loos, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Pentagondodekaeder, a ball made our of pentagons. Originally designed by Adolf Loos for the Knize Talyor-shops, in 2009 converted by Christiane Buessgen to a table or floor lamp. Mea...
Brass
Table Lamp in the Style of Jugendstil 'nickel'
Located in Wien, Au
Table lamp in the style of Jugendstil This is a reproduction. We have also the same in brass Opal glass. Depending on the order quantit...
Opal, Nickel
Josef Hoffmann & Wiener Werkstaette Hanging Lamp Chandelier, Pendant, Re-Edition
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Josef Hoffmann&Wiener Werkstaette hanging lamp chandelier, pendant. Re-edition Single pendant! Lenght custom made Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additio...
Crystal, Brass
Vintage French 1920s Art Nouveau Brass Glass Table Desk Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French art nouveau brass desk light / table lamp Black cotton wire and plug. Also, available with US/UK plug Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by intern...
Brass
Louis Wain Cat Themed Edwardian Pill Box / Snuff Box by LS Mayer, Germany, 1900s
By Louis Wain
Located in London, GB
A fantastic and highly collectible Edwardian Art Nouveau cat-themed pill box or snuff box featuring an enchanting brass plaque of a cat with original green glass eyes, made in German...
Brass, Nickel
Beautiful Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique European, 1890s
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
$1,225Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Chinese Porcelain Vase, Art Nouveau Style, 1900s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Large antique Chinese porcelain vase decorated with green, white and pink organic motifs with golden accents. Stylized art nouveau decorations of branches, leaves, roots and butterflies. Manufactured between 1890 and 1920 - possibly Famille Verte. Stamped under base. Beautiful vintage condition. China...
Porcelain
Otto Prutscher chandelier with original glass shade vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, Au
Otto Prutscher chandelier with original glass shade vienna around 1908 Brass polished and stove enameled Original glass shade
Brass
French Green Opaline Glass Nickel Pendant Light
Located in Amsterdam, NL
French green opaline glass industrial pendant. Weight 0.40 kg / 0.9 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been made suitable by international standards for incandescent lig...
Nickel
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
Naturalistic Scandinavian Wine Leaf Dish in Patinated Brass, 1940s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Based upon a naturalistic French pattern from the early 20th century this ornate sculptural dish or tray was made in Scandinavia during the 1930s or 40s. Utilize it for jewelry, soap...
Brass
Art nouveau wall mirror in beech, by Carlo Zen, Italy, 1920s
By Carlo Zen
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
This large wall mirror is an expressive example of Italian art nouveau, distinguished by its sculptural presence and highly organic vocabulary. The composition is defined by a tall r...
Beech
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
Italian Art Nouveau chairs with armrest in rattan light blue rattan, early 1900s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Art Nouveau chairs with armrest in rattan and light blue rattan, early 1900s Pair of chairs with armrest in finely woven rattan. The rounded backrest and armrests feature lig...
Rattan
Art Nouveau Cabinet attributed to Gustave Serrurier-Bovy, Belgium, circa 1900
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
An exeptional Art Nouveau cabinet attributed to Gustave Serrurier-Bovy, produced in Belgium around 1900. Executed in oak, the piece combines leaded stained glass, green and yellow fa...
Brass
Tiffany Style Stained Glass Table Lamp, Art Nouveau Floral Design
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Tiffany Style Stained Glass Table Lamp characterized by its vibrant floral motifs and classic Art Nouveau aesthetic. The dome-shaped shade is handcrafted using the traditional copper...
Stained Glass
Antique Painting "Skiers in Garmisch, Alpspitze, Adalbert Wex" - Early 20th Century
Located in Vo', Veneto
Skiers in Garmisch, Alpspitze - Adalbert von Wex Period: Early 1900s Provenance: Munich, Bavaria Artist: Adalbert von Wex Technique: Oil on canvas Painting size: 64 cm x 100 cm (25....
Canvas
Art Nouveau Chandelier by Hector Guimard, Oxidized Bronze, France
Located in Rebais, FR
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Art Nouveau with this magnificent Guimard chandelier, a true masterpiece of refinement and poetry. Crafted from oxidized bronze with deli...
Bronze
Beautiful Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique European, 1900s
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
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
$1,584Sale Price|43% Off
Swedish Art Nouveau Counterweight Pendant in the Style of Josef Frank
Located in Hannover, DE
This lovely Swedish counterweight lamp is a real gem! It's in such great condition for its age. The design and especially the floral fabric are strongly reminiscent of the Austrian d...
Crystal
Antoni Gaudí Calvet Armchair, Solid Varnished Oak, Jugendstil, Spain
By BD Barcelona Design, Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Calvet armchair designed by Antoni Gaudi manufactured by BD design, Solid varnished oak. Measures: 52 x 65 x 95 H cm. A company that has alwa...
Oak
Wiener Werkstätte Pendant Opaline Jugenstil Chandelier, Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Punched brass-sheet, hand blown Opaline glass 35 or 50 cm in diameter, hanging on cords with brass balls. Different variations are available see our pictures! Most components accord...
Brass
$9,666 / item
Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Floor Lamp, Re-Edition
Located in Vienna, AT
Designed for the head office of the then very famous tile manufacturer "Gebruder Schwadron", who also did the "Dianabad" in Vienna with sculptures of Michael Powolny and Otto Prutsch...
Brass
Original and Published Otto Prutscher Pedestal, Flower-Stand Made by Thonet
By Otto Prutscher, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Otto Prutscher has designed several flower-stands for Thonet, this special design is extremely rare. Literature: J. Ulihr, Semper Sursum, Olmütz 2003, ill p124.
Beech
$414Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Poster "La Fille aux Fleurs de Printemps", Framed, Limited Edition
Located in Darmstadt, DE
This limited-edition Art Nouveau poster, titled “La Fille aux Fleurs de Printemps”, is a modern homage to the elegance and floral romanticism of the fin-de-siècle period. Inspired b...
Pine, Paper
Diskometal Lion Pen Holder by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Lion-shaped Disko metal pen holder designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Lion-shaped pen holder in Disko metal * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D1931 * Year: 1938 * Condition:...
Metal
$1,367Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Beech Art Nouveau High Back Chairs Model 17 by Michael Thonet, 1890s
By Michael Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare pair of Art Nouveau Model 17 side chairs. Design by Michael Thonet for Gebrüder Thonet Vienna. Striking Austrian design from the 1890s. Original beech and ...
Beech, Bentwood
$536Sale Price|43% Off
French Art Nouveau Louis XVI Style Beveled Mirror, Early 20th C.
Located in Labrit, Landes
Art Nouveau Louis XVI style beveled mirror, 19th century, French. Can be suspended from the wall or placed on a fireplace mantel or on a piece of furniture Original mirror Very go...
Oak, Mirror
Elegant Brass and Copper Art Nouveau Candlestick by Carl Deffner Germany 1910s
By Carl Deffner
Located in Malmö, SE
An elegant counterweight Art Nouveau / Jugendstil candlestick with amazing patina. Model 518 in the 1902 Deffner Catalog. Made from brass and copper by manufacturer Carl Deffner in E...
Brass, Copper
Pair of silvered pewter candlesticks, Art Nouveau - Achille Gamba
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant pair of silver-plated pewter candlesticks in Art Nouveau style, designed by Achille Gamba. Germany early 20th century. Each candelabra depicts a stylized female figure with ...
Silver, Pewter
A pair of English Art Nouveau candlesticks with flowing organic decor
Located in London, GB
A nice quality pair of English Art Nouveau candle sticks with flowing organic decoration throughout. Price for the pair.
Brass
Four nesting tables Josef Hoffmann J. & J. Kohn ca. 1910
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
four nesting tables, Josef Hoffmann, J. & J. Kohn, mod. Nr. 986, ca. 1910, marked Around 1905, Josef Hoffmann designed the four nesting tables. With their clean, minimalist lines an...
Beech
Adolf Loos American Bar Wall Lamp for the Famous Loosbar in Vienna, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Adolf Loos
Located in Vienna, AT
Adolf Loos has used such lamps in several houses such as Villa Steiner 1910, Wohnung Vogl Pilsen 1929, Wohnung Brummel pilsen 1929. The lamps from the American Bar in Vienna are diff...
Brass
French Art Nouveau Bronze Five-Light Chandelier, Tangerine Glass Shades
Located in Barntrup, DE
Beautiful French Art Nouveau bronze chandelier dating from the 1920s, featuring five elegantly curved arms richly decorated with floral and foliate ornamentation. The chandelier is f...
Bronze
Rare set of two monumental dragon vases, Art Nouveau, style Massier, 1900 France
By Massier Art Pottery
Located in Wien, AT
Exceptional high-quality set of two vases with a dragon motif, presumably by Massier, made in France around 1900. These vases are a real eye-catcher. The base is round, a typical c...
Ceramic
Lounge Chair by Unknown Designer in Oak and Leather, Sweden, 1920s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Rare lounge chair by an unknown designer and maker, produced in Sweden during the 1920s. Crafted in dark brown, almost black leather with a solid oak frame. Richly carved details re...
Leather, Oak
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
Art Nouveau Crystal Vases by Moser, Silver and Crystal, Czech Republic
By Moser
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant pair of crystal vases with a violet–amethyst gradient, finely wheel-cut with a stylized floral design. The hexagonal carved base supports a slender body, richly decorated. Hi...
Crystal, Silver
Art Nouveau, Brass Chandelier with Figural Detail and Pleated Shades, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
Elegant brass chandelier featuring three gracefully curved arms, each supporting a pleated textile shade. The flowing, organic lines are characteristic of the Art Nouveau aesthetic, ...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Opaline Glass Table Lamp, Re-Edition, Woka Lamps, Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
A table light with Opaline glass shade, pictured in brass. Brass, optionally varnished or nickel-plated, all other surfaces on request, Opaline-glass, hand blown. Most components ac...
Brass
Daum Table Lamp Snake Bronze Yellow Crystal, France
By Daum
Located in Rijssen, NL
This beautiful table lamp is a real eye catcher. Made by Daum in Nancy, France. A stunning table lamp, with a bronze snake and yellow crystal glass. Daum is a renowned French glass...
Glass
Thonet Art Nouveau Rocking Chair, Black Lacquered Beech, Wicker Seat
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Art Nouveau rocking chair. Design by Thonet, Kohn or Mundus but no marks or labels! Original black lacquered beech and bentwood frame with original wicker back r...
Wicker, Beech, Bentwood
Beautiful Large France Art Nouveau Glass and Brass Wall Lights
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful large pair of Art Nouveau wall sconces in glass and gilded metal/brass. Elegant and refined, with a timeless charm and a high-end, luxurious appearance. France 1920/1930s
Metal, Brass
Art Nouveau Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Early Disko Metal Vase with Floral Motif designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Diskometal vase with a floral motif * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D88 * Period: 1926–1929 * ...
Metal
Originals 1905 of the Period Pair of Josef Hoffmann and Jacob &Josef Kohn Chairs
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Very early and important design by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn; horseshoe-shaped stand, each with two spheres under the corner joints of the seat, beechwood, light stained, polis...
Bentwood
$1,084Sale Price|20% Off
Bamboo Art Nouveau Tea Table, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Art Nouveau tea table. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Original bamboo frame with solid padouk top. This wonderful Art Nouveau tea table is in very good co...
Bamboo, Padouk
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
French Art Nouveau Bronze Cendrillon Bust by Emmanuel Villanis, 1900
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
A finely modelled French Art Nouveau bronze bust of "Cendrillon" by Emmanuel Villanis, France, circa 1900. This compact patinated bronze depicts the romantic heroine Cinderella as a ...
Bronze
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Ambra Vase, Murano Glass "Sommerso" by Salviati
By Salviati
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A characteristic Art Nouveau ambra vase, Murano Glass "Sommerso" by Salviati. Measures cm: Height 38, diameter 22.
Murano Glass
$424Sale Price|47% Off
1940s Hand-Carved Organic Midcentury Wooden Table Lamp
Located in Copenhagen, DK
1940s lacquered solid wooden table lamp with swirling organic hand-carved relief decorations around the heavy body. Smooth slender neck with wide tiered architectural top. Original b...
Wood
Hector Guimard, Garden bench, a rare example retaining its original wooden seat.
Located in London, GB
Hector Guimard, Cast iron garden bench. A rare example retaining its original Art Nouveau wooden seat. It is important to note that the original wooden seat and back show complete pu...
Iron