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


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ANTIQUE PHOTO of 11 FRENCH ART NOUVEAU STATUES - c.1900
Antique (Pre-1940) > Other Antique Images
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ANTIQUE PHOTO of 2 FRENCH ART NOUVEAU STATUES - c.1900
Antique (Pre-1940) > Other Antique Images
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ANTIQUE PHOTO of A FRENCH ART NOUVEAU STATUE - c.1900
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Clocks > Mantel/ Carriage Clocks
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LARGE VINTAGE ART NOUVEAU NUDE WOMAN COMPOSITION STATUE
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NOUVEAU ART DECO LADY LORRAINE DANCER STATUE FIGURINE
Art from Dealers & Resellers > Sculpture & Carvings
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Metalware > Bronze
SIGNED WITH PARIS FOUNDRY STAMP NO RESERVE LOOK!!
$1.49
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STUNNING ART DECO NOUVEAU SIGNED PURE BRONZE STATUE
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STUNNING NUDE ART DECO NOUVEAU 100% BRONZE STATUE 12kg
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ART NOUVEAU MANTLE CLOCK/STATUE BEAUTIFUL WOMAN
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