Could someone tell me the difference, in terms of design, between Art Nouveau and Art Deco?

I've inherited two statues which might be either, both or neither of these styles. I've posed pictures of the statues here:

http://www.geocities.com/babie_boomah/

Could someone help me determine the period of design they may be from? Thanks.

Art nouveau was a decorative style originating in the 1880s, reached peak of popularity around 1900. Called many names (German Jugenstil). It was characterized b y swaying, curving lines, flower and leaf motifs and woman when depicted were shown partially or wholly nude, often with long flowing hair. I am not sure whether your two sculptures can be considered to be in this style, but they are definitely not Art deco pieces. This was the fashionable style between World War 1 and 1 (1919-1939) which replaced Art Nouveau and unlike Art Noveau had little regard for refined craftmanship. It featured streamlined, geometric patterns and strong color schemes. No sinuous figures as were found in Art nouveau. In my opinion neither of your two statuettes can be described as pure Art Nouveau. However It would be worth taking them into an antiques specialist to get an opinion.

2008-08-05 13:30:21 by babie_boomah | Posted in Sculpture


Art Nouveau Statue


Art Deco or Art Nouveau Dancing Woman Bronze Statue
Periods & Styles > Art Deco
$165.00
Bids: 0
End time: 05-Aug-10 18:26:28 PDT
Antique metal ART NOUVEAU Statue Figure Spiritual
Periods & Styles > Art Nouveau
$24.99Buy It Now: $75.00
Bids: 0
End time: 03-Aug-10 16:33:33 PDT
ART NOUVEAU NUDE BRONZE STATUE DIANA HUNTRESS GERHARD
Metalware > Bronze
$9.99
Bids: 0
End time: 08-Aug-10 13:26:22 PDT
1920s ART NOUVEAU CHERUB Angel BRONZE Sculpture Statue
Art from Dealers & Resellers > Sculpture & Carvings
Very Large Real Bronze~Not Resin~Marble Base~Exc Cond
$299.00Buy It Now: $899.00
Bids: 0
End time: 05-Aug-10 09:54:17 PDT
ART NOUVEAU BRONZE FLOWER STATUE GIRL SIGNED B. ZACH NR
Antiques > Reproduction Antiques
$299.00Buy It Now: $899.00
Bids: 0
End time: 05-Aug-10 08:18:19 PDT
SIGNED ART NOUVEAU DEVIL HELL DARK ANGEL BRONZE STATUE
Metalware > Bronze
Great Art Solid bronze not Resin with same day Shipping
$189.00Buy It Now: $499.00
Bids: 0
End time: 05-Aug-10 07:44:11 PDT
Art Deco Nouveau Shield Dancer Lady Statue Clock
Antiques > Reproduction Antiques
$67.09
Bids: 0
End time: 08-Aug-10 01:09:09 PDT
NewGORGEOUS ART NOUVEAU FAIRY PEACE DÉCOR FIGURINE/STATUE
Figurines > Fairies, Mystical
$36.50 Buy It Now
Bids: 0
Best Offer Enabled
End time: 27-Aug-10 18:55:04 PDT
Bronze Art Nouveau Auguste Moreau Signed Maiden Statue
Metalware > Bronze
$1,650.00 Buy It Now
Bids: 0
Best Offer Enabled
End time: 07-Aug-10 17:56:08 PDT
Moreau French Art Deco Nouveau Girl Lady Fairy Statue
Metalware > Bronze
$95.00
Bids: 0
End time: 04-Aug-10 15:00:01 PDT
Signed Bronze Statue Nude Art Nouveau Sculpture
Antiques > Reproduction Antiques
$179.00
Bids: 0
Best Offer Enabled
End time: 27-Aug-10 14:38:57 PDT
VINTAGE ART NOUVEAU BRONZE MARBLE LADY STATUE / ASHTRAY
Vintage Ethnic/Regional/Tribal > Mexican, Latin American
$49.00
Bids: 0
End time: 04-Aug-10 12:51:44 PDT
ART NOUVEAU SOLID BRONZE SEXY FAIRY JEWELRY BOX STATUE
Metalware > Bronze
$69.95
Bids: 0
End time: 04-Aug-10 11:50:17 PDT
Art Nouveau - Nautilus Mermaide Statue Sculpture
Art from Dealers & Resellers > Paintings
$52.50Buy It Now: $59.00
Bids: 0
End time: 04-Aug-10 09:07:42 PDT
ART NOUVEAU LADY CROWNS STATUE POSTCARD-gg17
Postcards > Artist Signed
$12.99
Bids: 0
Best Offer Enabled
End time: 26-Aug-10 21:34:06 PDT
NewArt Nouveau style statue human form sculpture lamp new
Fantasy, Mythical & Magic > Other
$125.00
Bids: 0
Best Offer Enabled
End time: 26-Aug-10 19:18:09 PDT
NewArt Nouveau style statue peacock plume sculpture lamp
Fantasy, Mythical & Magic > Other
$165.00
Bids: 0
Best Offer Enabled
End time: 26-Aug-10 19:16:24 PDT
BRONZE SCULPTURE ART NOUVEAU SIGNED STATUE
Antiques > Reproduction Antiques
$139.00
Bids: 0
End time: 01-Aug-10 19:09:10 PDT
BRONZE SCULPTURE ART NOUVEAU STATUE SIGNED
Antiques > Reproduction Antiques
$89.00
Bids: 0
End time: 01-Aug-10 19:00:53 PDT
ART NOUVEAU SOLID BRONZE SEXY FAIRY JEWELRY BOX STATUE
Metalware > Bronze
$69.95
Bids: 0
End time: 03-Aug-10 17:18:30 PDT
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