History of Art Nouveau in America From 1890 to 1910, Art Nouveau flourished across Europe. It embodied a spectrum of styles and had many names (i.e., the Glasgow Style in Scotland and Jugendstil in Germany). While it varied stylistically from country to country, the movement itself maintained the same core beliefs. Primarily, it strived to […]
Art Nouveau in Vienna Art Nouveau in Vienna, Austria, emerged right as this style took shape in Paris (around 1890-1905). These cities established this style’s influence across Europe, laying the foundation for modern art. The city is famous for its exemplary Art Nouveau architecture, which flourished under architects Otto Wagner, Gustav Klimt, and many others. […]
Art Deco Style Furniture History It’s been 100 years since this style emerged, but Art Deco style furniture remains a favorite for many. Now that the 2020s are here, it’s time to look at one of the most influential modern styles. Before World War I, a new style of visual and decorative art emerged in […]
French Art Nouveau Furniture History (1889-1925) The Art Nouveau style emerged in Paris, though some attribute its origins to Wagner in Vienna. Some experts state this period lasted from 1878 to 1905, while others mark it from 1889 to 1925. Art Nouveau became a massively popular style across most of Europe and the United States […]
The Second Empire Style The Second Empire style, which lasted from 1848-1880, is also known as the Napoleon III Style. Typified by its eclectic characteristics in architecture and decorative arts, it flourished under the reign of Napoleon III (1808-1873). It left a substantial on both, Europe and the United States. This period incorporated numerous elements […]
Louis Philippe Style Furniture Louis Philippe ruled France between 1830 and 1848. This style became fashionable during his reign, eventually getting its name from the monarch. Louis Philippe pieces remain highly sought-after and stylish items. Its characteristics reflect the 19th century French design called rococo revival. In the years following the French Revolution, former aristocrats […]
Restoration Furniture in France From 1814-1830, French Restoration furniture rose in popularity, replacing the previous Empire style. During this period of French history, also known as the Bourbon Restoration period, Neoclassic-inspired designs with elements of budding romanticism persisted. This 15-year span encompassed the reigns of Louis XVIII and Charles X, the fall of Napoleon, and […]
Empire Furniture History Napoleon’s Rule and Influence Empire furniture arose during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte over the First French Empire, which lasted from 1804 to 1814. A strong military leader and ruler, Napoleon was intensely aware of the value of the arts as tools for propaganda. He promoted the developing Empire style as he […]
French Furniture History: The Directoire Style From 1789 to 1804, French furniture took a sharp turn, condemning anything associated with the Ancien Régime. Previously predominant themes revolving around royal extravagance, noble power, and privilege were now perceived negatively. Repressed by the revolutionaries, furniture guilds were no longer able to ensure the same degree of […]
The History of Danish Furniture Denmark is the smallest country in Scandinavia, but despite its size, Danish furniture stands as the standard for Scandinavian furniture makers in Northern Europe. Thanks to the country’s numerous forests, cabinetmakers had a steady supply of natural materials, resulting in most Danish furniture to be exclusively made out of wood. […]