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.



Art Nouveau Statue


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End time: 05-Aug-10 18:26:28 PDT

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Metalware > Bronze
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Bids: 0
End time: 08-Aug-10 13:26:22 PDT

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Art from Dealers & Resellers > Sculpture & Carvings
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Antiques > Reproduction Antiques
$299.00Buy It Now: $899.00
Bids: 0
End time: 05-Aug-10 08:18:19 PDT

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Metalware > Bronze
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End time: 05-Aug-10 07:44:11 PDT

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Antiques > Reproduction Antiques
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Bids: 0
End time: 08-Aug-10 01:09:09 PDT

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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
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Bids: 0
Best Offer Enabled
End time: 07-Aug-10 17:56:08 PDT

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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

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Metalware > Bronze
$69.95
Bids: 0
End time: 04-Aug-10 11:50:17 PDT

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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

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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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