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.
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 - 30 large drawers - The top has been given ...
Iron
French Majolica Wild Rose Pitcher Fives Lille, circa 1900
By Fives-Lille
Located in Austin, TX
French Majolica wild rose pitcher fives Lille, circa 1900.
Ceramic
Exquisite Tiffany Studios Bronze & Leaded Glass "Feather" Table Lamp, Circa 1915
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This superb Tiffany Studios table lamp, dating to circa 1915, represents the height of American decorative artistry in the early twentieth century. With its refined conical leaded gl...
Cast Stone, Bronze
$1,392Sale Price|20% Off
German Art Nouveau Portable Sewing Machine 1890 JONES
Located in Palermo, Sicily
German Art Nouveau Portable Sewing Machine 1890 JONES
Metal
Bentwood rocking chair attr. Thonet, late 19th century
By Thonet
Located in View Park, CA
A bentwood rocker attributed to Thonet, designed late 19th or early 20th century. Featuring art nouveau whiplash curves and real wicker caning. Made in Poland (possibly at the Radoms...
Wicker, Bentwood
Gilt Bronze Tiffany "Puddlestick" Candlestick New York 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Tiffany Studios gilt bronze "Puddlestick" candlestick. Signed with stamped signature "Tiffany Studios New York 1213" to bottom.
Bronze
Antique early 20th century impressionist coal drawing by H P Carlsen (1855-1950)
Located in Ebberup, DK
This is an original coal drawing by Danish artist H. P. Carlsen from 1933. Hans Peter Carlsen (1855-1950) was a painter from Funen who attended the Royal Academy of Fine arts with f...
Paper
Emile Galle. An Art Nouveau Walnut writing desk with exceptional inlaid scenery
By Émile Gallé
Located in London, GB
An exhibition-quality Art Nouveau Walnut writing desk with an exceptional scene depicting moored boats on a river overlooked by a large tree on the river bank inlaid to the upper cup...
Walnut
French Bistro Table by Delpeche Freres, Marble Top, Cast Iron Base, circa 1900
Located in Chappaqua, NY
French Bistro Table by Delpeche Freres, Marble top, Cast Iron Base, circa 1900. Ornate molded cast iron base with rectangular marble top. Weathered red paint on base. Makers mark st...
Marble, Iron
Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Period Painted Iron and Marble Bistro Table
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Originally used in a French brasserie during the late nineteenth century, this white enameled cast iron bistro table or cafe table features a solid white oval marble top with grey ve...
Marble, Iron
Garrard & Co Art Nouveau Cased Set Six Silver Goblets by Hancocks & Co
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning original art nouveau cased set of six silver goblets retailed by Garrard & Co and made by London silversmiths Frederick Hancock and dated 1913. The set of six heavy gauge ...
Silver
19th Century Praying Angel in Cararra Marble Italy
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic late 19th century hand carved marble statue of an angel praying. Crafted in Italy and has aged well with all of it intact. Patina such as moss and algae present. Stands 2fo...
Carrara Marble
Rare Art Nouveau Jugendstil Single Drawer Writing Desk Cabriole Louis Majorelle
Located in Peoria, AZ
EXQUISITE! JUGENDSTIL SINGLE DRAWER WRITING DESK UNIQUE CABRIOLE LEGS OAK & VARIOUS WOODS MAGNIFICENT! (DIMENSIONS: Approximately 29" Tall By 18" Wide By 18" Deep) H...
Fruitwood, Oak
Emile Gallé Important Vase "Ficoïdes Marins Rouges"
By Émile Gallé
Located in NANCY, FR
Spectaculaire vase ovoïde à panse méplate et col navette sur piédouche en verre triple. Magnifique décor gravé en très fines réserves à l’acide et repris à la roue, de feuillages et ...
pate de verre
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
$7,560Sale Price|20% Off
19thc Art Nouveau Large Bronze Sculptural Floor/ Table Lamp by Gustave Gurshner
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Monumental 19thc Austrian Art Nouveau Bronze Figural Floor/ Table Lamp. Featuring original Tiffany style tiled Art Glass Shade. Signed by Artist Gustave Gurschner. Large and heavy Sc...
Bronze
French Holophane Clear Glass Vintage Pendant Lights
By Holophane
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Holophane lampshade van Holophane. Brass bulb holder with glass shade. 2 meter / 80" black cotton wire. Weight: 1.00 kg / 2.2 lb Priced per individual item. All lamps have been mad...
Brass
Original Josef Hoffmann Dressing Table from 1905 by Jacob & Josef Kohn
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Vienna, AT
An extraordinary modern furniture from the best period of his works. He made trendsetting Industrial designs for the bentwood-industrie. This dressing-table is from the "Fledermaus" ...
Bentwood
Norwegian Art Nouveau Lidded Box with Amber Cabochons, Norway, ca. 1900.
Located in Valby, 84
Norwegian Art Nouveau Pewter and Silver Lidded Box Set with Amber Cabochons, Norway, ca. 1900 Of rectangular form raised on four compressed bun feet, the hinged lid centred with a l...
Silver, Pewter
Mid-Century Ruscha Art Vase
By Ruscha
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Beautiful art pottery and unusual piece by Ruscha with a strong art nouveau influence in its shape and decoration. It is glazed in a dark brown with variegated purple and light grey ...
Ceramic
Antique Vase in Pressed Ruby Red Glass by Fyens Glasværk, 1920s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A 1920s flower vase in pressed ryby/deep red glass. Made at Fyens Glasværk (later Holmegaard) in the early 1920s. It's a substantial and tall piece measuring 28 cm in height. Suitabl...
Glass
2 bronze wall sconces with palm leaves by Josef Hoffmann for Bakalowits
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
The Palm Tree lamp series was designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1914 and manufactured by Bakalowits. These two lamps are original pieces from that period. Solid cast bronze and cut gla...
Crystal, Bronze
$409Sale 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
Tiffany Studios Pomegranate Lamp
Located in New Orleans, LA
Pomegranate Table Lamp Tiffany Studios Circa 1900 This beautiful lamp by Tiffany Studios features an iconic leaded Favrile glass lampshade atop its patinated bronze base. Displaying...
Bronze
20th Century Art Nouveau Fine Set "Fledermaus" by Josef Hoffmann. Vienna, 1905.
Located in Vienna, AT
Josef Hoffmann (1870–1956) Rare “Fledermaus” Seating Set Vienna, circa 1905 Designed for Cabaret Fledermaus, Vienna Secession A rare and historically significant Art Nouveau seating...
Upholstery, Bentwood
Art Noveau Bronze vase by A. Granberg for Hugo Elmqvist, Sweden, ca 1900
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely Art Noveau vase by A. Granberg, made from black patinated bronze in a stately form. Elegant decor of dragonflies in relief around the opening.
Bronze
Vittorio Zecchin Venini MVM Art Nouveau Amethyst Murano Glass Wrought Iron Vase
Located in Brescia, IT
Vittorio Zecchin Murano, Early 1900 Amethyst Ribbed Blown Glass Vase Wrought Iron Grapevine Frame Excellent condiction (small difect at one leaf)
Glass, Murano Glass
Rare Art Nouveau "Vase w/Oriental Dragon" by Eduard Stellmacher for RStK Amphora
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...
Earthenware
Large Majolica Peacock Wall Pocket Jérôme Massier, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica peacock Wall Pocket Jérôme Massier. 10.5 inches diameter.
Ceramic, Faience, Majolica
Daum Candleholder, Collectible Decorative Object, Glass, 1990, France
By Daum
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Daum France Pâte de Verre Rose Candleholder, Signed An exquisite Daum France pâte de verre crystal candleholder, beautifully sculpted as a cluster of blooming roses in delicate shad...
Crystal
Art Nouveau by Klaus-Jurgen Sembach
By TASCHEN
Located in Bradenton, FL
Art Nouveau by Klaus-Jurgen Sembach. Softcover book, published in 2002 by Taschen. Printed in Italy, illustrated, 240 pages.
Paper
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
Majolica Ceiling Light Fixture, To Be Electrified, France, 19th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
To Be Electrified. Late 19th-century French slipware ceiling light with floral decoration, ready for rewiring. Charming late 19th-century French slip...
Majolica
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
Big Jugendstil nickel wall lamp with opaline glass shade vienna around 1910
Located in Wien, Au
Big Jugendstil nickel wall lamp with opaline glass shade vienna around 1910 Very beautiful opaline glass shade Rare model
Nickel
$976Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Longwy Turquoise Enameled Ceramic Platter
By Faïenceries et Emaux de Longwy
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
This exquisite 19th-century, ceramic plate is a stunning creation from the renowned Longwy manufactory, celebrated for its mastery of decorative ceramics. The plate features a capti...
Enamel
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
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
Antique French Walnut Double Caned & Hand Carved
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous French Art Noveau walnut with double caning, front and back, hand carved settee. Sweeping lines with cabriolet legs, all hand carved stained and lacquered. In excellent anti...
Cane, Walnut, Lacquer
French Art Nouveau Style Umbrella or Cane Stand with Heron Motif, ca. 1950s
Located in Barntrup, DE
A sculptural French Art Nouveau–style umbrella and walking stick stand, combining elegant heron imagery with refined mid-century craftsmanship and practical functionality. This eleg...
Metal, Brass, Bronze, Iron
$2,325Sale Price|42% Off
Basket Chandelier Brass Empire Crystal Lustre Ceiling Antique Art Nouveau
Located in Berlin, DE
Presenting an exquisite brass Empire crystal lustre ceiling lamp, an antique Art Nouveau treasure in the form of a basket chandelier. This chandelier, dating back to circa 1930, is ...
Crystal, Brass, Wire
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
Original Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Bench/Settee, Early 20th Century restored
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Otto Prutscher, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Attributed to either Josef Hoffmann or Otto Prutscher as both of the designers did similar objects in bentwood at this time, and both were using balls or olives for joining the legs ...
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
Capo di Monte Large Italian Pottery Vase or Pot Early 20th Century
Located in Tilburg, NL
Capo di Monte Large Italian Pottery Vase or Pot Early 20th Century. Wonderful and large Italian glazed pottery Capo di Monte vase / pot / planter in a very distinct rococo style. Ve...
Pottery
Louis Majorelle Bureau Art Nouveau "Trèfles"
Located in NANCY, FR
Superbe bureau en acajou massif et placage d’acajou satiné, mouluré et sculpté. Il ouvre par deux portes vitrées, deux tiroirs, une niche sur le gradin et deux grands tiroirs en cein...
American Mahogany
French Art Nouveau Brass Vide - Poche or Pin Tray with Dragonfly and Flowers
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Art Nouveau brass card or pin tray, vide-poche, 1920s. This delightful card tray or pin tray, vide-poche, is made of brass and showcases a relief design of a dragonfly, adorn...
Brass
$11,840Sale Price|20% Off
Wall Cabinet with Marquetry Inlays and Drawer Art Nouveau Vienna Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful wall cabinet with 4 drawers and marquetry inlay Door. Perfect as a furniture in your dressing room for your lingerie or in your living room. It could also be great at the w...
Metal
$529Sale 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
Émile Gallé Cherries Soufflé Cameo Glass Vase, France, circa 1915
By Émile Gallé
Located in Lisbon, PT
A rare French Art Nouveau soufflé cameo glass vase, produced by Établissements Gallé in Nancy, France, circa 1915. The elegant baluster-shaped body is decorated with a naturalistic ...
Glass
Tall Antique White Ironstone Dairy Pitcher, Boch Freres, Belgium, circa 1890
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Tall Antique White Ironstone Dairy Pitcher, Boch Freres, Belgium, circa 1890. Grand size pitcher with raised bands and impressed faux bois design, evoking a wooden pitcher.
Ironstone
Pair Portuguese Art Nouveau Brass Table Lamps Etched Shades Floral Motifs c1900
Located in Lisboa, PT
This pair of Portuguese Art Nouveau brass table lamps, produced circa 1900–1920, reflects the refined decorative metalwork characteristic of early 20th-century Portuguese craftsmansh...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann attr. Pair of Extraordinary Chairs 1905-10 Jugendstil Art Nouveau
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of extraordinary chairs in the style of the early Josef Hoffmann furniture. The significant skids were used by Hoffmann in the early years of the Wiener Werkstätte from 1903 o...
Fabric, Wood
Antoni Gaudí Calvet Armchair, Solid Varnished Oak, Jugendstil, Spain
By Antoni Gaudí, BD Barcelona Design
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
$340Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Bronze Floral Table Lamp
Located in Søborg, DK
An Antique floral bronze table lamp. Richly decorate with a floral design. With its original brass and porcelain bulb holder with an on/off switch and brass lampshade holder. R...
Bronze
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
Antique Monumental Hand Carved Alabaster Plafonnier in Cast Bronze Ring
Located in Nottingham, GB
Antique Monumental Hand Carved Alabaster Plafonnier in Cast Bronze Ring A monumental carved alabaster plafonnier of the highest quality, the deep alabaster bowl suspended within a f...
Alabaster, Bronze
Striking Art Nouveau Ceramic and Bronze-Mounted Vase in Victor Horta Style
By Victor Horta
Located in Lisse, NL
Top condition and pure elegance Art Nouveau vase. For the collectors of museum quality and condition Art Nouveau ceramics. This stunning Art Nouveau vase is decorated with the mos...
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
René Lalique Guirlandes Opalescent Vase Bowl
By René Lalique
Located in Franklin Park, IL
René Lalique Guirlandes Opalescent Vase Bowl This bowl measures: 7.75 wide x 7.75 deep x 8.375 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We take our photos in a controlled lighting...
Glass