Art Nouveau is an international style of art, architecture, and applied art, especially the decorative arts, known in different languages by different names: Jugendstil in German, Stile Liberty in Italian, Modernisme català in Catalan, etc. In English it is also known as the Modern Style (British Art Nouveau style). The style was most popular between 1890 and 1910. It was a reaction against the academic art, eclecticism and historicism of 19th century architecture and decoration. It was often inspired by natural forms such as the sinuous curves of plants and flowers. Other characteristics of Art Nouveau were a sense of dynamism and movement, often given by asymmetry or whiplash lines, and the use of modern materials, particularly iron, glass, ceramics and later concrete, to create unusual forms and larger open spaces. Reference: Wikipedia
Below are some examples and price guides of Art Nouveau items including a Jean Dunand folding screen and a gold, pearl and diamond necklace.
JEAN DUNAND ‘Les Biches’ folding screen, circa 1926 Lacquered wood. 200 x 237 x 2.5 cm fully extended Lower right corner incised with JEAN DUNAND. Together with a certificate of expertise from Amélie Marcilhac.
Sold for £ 93,812 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2020
A PAIR OF ART NOUVEAU ARMCHAIRS FRANCE, EARLY 20TH CENTURY Walnut, textile upholstery
Sold for USD 3,750 at Christie’s in 2019
Art Nouveau Gold, Pearl, Plique-à-Jour Enamel and Diamond Pendant-Necklace The chain of fancy-shaped wire links of stylized tulip motif joined by bar links wrapped at each end by coiled wire, suspending a fancy-shaped pendant of of green guiolloché enamel, applied with scrolled wire ribbons, centering one button pearl ap. 11.2 x 11.0 mm., wrapped in crossed ribbons of old-mine cut diamonds, suspending flexibly collet-set links of 4 old-mine cut diamonds, joined by a swag of 4 pearls ap. 4.0 mm., suspending one old-mine cut diamond and one drop-shaped gray pearl ap. 17.0 x 11.1 x 8.1 mm., topped by a scalloped green plique-à-jour enamel cap tipped by small balls, , with diamond-set hook clasp, diamonds totaling ap. 2.05 cts., circa 1900, clasp added later, ap. 32 dwts. Length 24 1/2 inches.
Sold for $13,750 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2020
Art Nouveau Mantle Clock Attrib Georges E Nowak
Sold for $2,100 at Cordier Auctions & Appraisals in 2021
French Art Nouveau table lamp with German ‘Matador’ oil burner, c 1900
Among the vast range of oil lamp designs available in Europe at the turn of the 20th century, those made in France in the Art Nouveau style are the most attractive. Although glass shades enjoyed the greatest popularity, lamps with decorative metal shades in polished brass (sometimes combined with glass) were also in demand. Made from finely cast, hand-wrought and hand-decorated metal components, this table lamp is a wonderful example of French Art Nouveau style. The style is evident in its sinuous legs and arms, beautifully crafted shade with whiplash ribbon, and a striking burner container decorated with a continuing frieze of the whiplash motif.
Reference: Museum of Applied Art and Sciences
AN EXTREMELY RARE AND UNUSUAL ART NOUVEAU GOLD HUNTING CASED KEYLESS LEVER QUARTER REPEATING WATCH, THE PIERCED COVERS WITH PÂTE DE VERRE DECORATION CIRCA 1900, NO. 17120
Sold for 106,250 CHF at Sotheby’s in 2020
