Art Déco

What is Art Déco?

ART DÉCO – a term representing elegance, luxury and glamour, embodying a movement of decorative arts, architecture and fine arts in its whole complexity and also reflecting an attitude toward life, which has been labelled by history as "The Roaring Twenties".

Never before had the pleasures of life been enjoyed to such a dissipated extend, had conventions been swept aside or had there been a dramatic change in lifestyle involving a shift from tradition to modernity. This new perception of life found expression by exploring more liberal forms of life and it embraced all areas of life including fashion, music, entertainment and sports to sexual permissiveness.

The term "Art Déco" derived from the abbreviation of the "Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes" held in Paris in 1925 where the distinctive and sophisticated modern style emerging from around 1909 till 1939 was at its peak. It was not until 1966, however, that the name Art Déco became the official term when the Musée des Arts Decoratifs held the exhibition "Les Années 25" by which it has since been known.

The topic of the Paris exhibition in 1925, which introduced Art Déco to the world, was a perfect combination of architecture and interior design at its highest level of creativity. Boasting an interior decoration of richness, elegance and harmony the 1925 exhibition presented furniture of classical elegance veneered in sumptuous exotic woods, galuchat, shagreen or parchment, inlaid silver and ivory, fancy lighting fixtures, excellent glassworks, exuberant bronze sculptures and silver works. Famous artists and decorators included Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann, Jules Leleu, Maurice Jallot, Maurice Rinck, DIM (Décoration Intérieure Moderne), Pierre Legrain, Pierre Chareau, Edgar Brandt, Jacques Adnet, Demeter H. Chiparus, Sabino, Etling, Edouard Marcel Sandoz, Boris Lacroix, Petitot, René Lalique, Muller Frères Luneville, Degué, Le Verre Francais, Pierre le Faguays (pseudonyms Fayral, Guerbe), Max le Verrier and Verlys. It was at this time that this elegant style took the world by storm, particularly North America, and became a global stylistic phenomenon.

Art Déco found its way into hotels, cinemas, public buildings and also into the entire style of home décor ranging from porcelain and ceramics, clocks and radios to kitchen utensils. Also, exquisite jewellery created by European and American avant-garde artists blossomed in the art world.

Art Déco is characterized by smooth curves, futuristic streamlining of forms, geometric or cubistic shapes but also displays rectilinear, angular and stepped forms combined with the richness of exotic wood, inlays, stylized floral designs or fancy chromed-metal details – Art Déco exudes an atmosphere of elegance. It incorporates elements from Art Nouveau, baroque and Egyptian and African cultures combining them with the modernist Art Déco style of the 1920s to the 1940s.

The outbreak of World War II brought an end to the era. The revival of Art Déco began in the late 1960s and has not lost any of its allure down to the present day.

ART DÉCO – timeless classics.

 

Extravagant Lifestyle

Art Deco represents an extravagant lifestyle that developed in the 1920s. This era was characterized by luxurious enjoyment and the rejection of traditional conventions.

Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes

The Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes took place in Paris in 1925 and marked the peak of the Art Deco style. This exhibition showcased modern architecture and interior design at the highest level.

Precious Materials

Art Deco furniture was made from precious materials such as fine wood veneers, shagreen, galuchat, goatskin, silver, and ivory. These high-quality materials gave the furniture a classic elegance.

Famous Artists and Cabinetmakers

Notable artists and cabinetmakers of Art Deco included Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann, Jules Leleu, Maurice Jallot, and many others. They played a significant role in the development and spread of this style.

Geometric and Cubist Shapes

Art Deco is characterized by geometric and cubist shapes, often complemented by inlays and stylized patterns. These designs combined simplicity and austerity with refined elegance.

Influences from Past Eras

Art Deco combines elements from past eras such as Art Nouveau, Baroque, and Egyptian and African cultures with modern trends to create a unique and timeless style.

Spread to North America

After its success in Europe, the Art Deco style also conquered North America, where it had a significant influence on architecture and design in the 1930s.

Application in Various Areas of Life

Art Deco was applied in many areas of life, from hotels and cinemas to public buildings, porcelain, ceramics, kitchenware, clocks, radios, and jewelry.

Forgetting and Rediscovery

With the outbreak of World War II, Art Deco fell into obscurity. In the late 1960s, the style was rediscovered and has not lost its appeal to this day.

Cool Elegance

Art Deco is known for its cool elegance, achieved through the combination of chrome details, stylized patterns, and high-quality materials. These designs are timeless and still exude a touch of luxury.