Karl Kemp Antiques New York City
The History of the French Art Deco Style of Antique Furniture
A
distinct classification itself, French Art Deco has stylistic qualities
that make it unique and different from the American Art Deco style.
The term, "Art Deco," was coined during the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratif et Industriels Modernes. Such successful designers of the time as Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann, Süe et Mare, Edgar Brandt and scores of others showcased their finest furniture and objects d'art, defining the look and feel of what we call today French Art Deco.
The simple and practical form of Art Deco furnishing characterizes the style. Clean shapes and elegant lines are emphasized; decoration in the form of marquetry, carved and cut bas-reliefs, and contrasting parquetry are favored. Ornate moldings and scrolled protrusions that perform no practical function are left out to allow for the elegant curves, sleek lines, and streamlined geometric shapes typically found in Art Deco design.
The artistic influence from such diverse disciplines as African tribal art, Japanese lacquer work and contemporary abstract painting and sculpture can be seen in many examples of French Art Deco objects. Often the decorating is glittery and exotic, most of it being very stylized and abstract. Exotic and intricate patterns are common, so are stylized flowers and foliage.
As the scope of materials available to designers widened, objets d'art and furniture alike began to be constructed of a myriad of mixed media ranging from man made to natural. The introduction of metal especially chrome and sculpted wrought iron, into interior design was one such material.
Tubular chrome was an aesthetically bold material, yet because of the metal's physical properties, it offered the option of being used to create very clean dramatic lines.
The
French Art Deco style was also one of the first to emphasize the designer's
individuality. Each designer was creating his own distinct flavor and
style. From the luxurious wrought iron sculptures of Edgar Brandt to the
exquisitely fine furniture designs of Rulhmann to the distinctive style
of Süe and Mare, Art Deco is a style that is known for its elegance
and beauty, and is the style that signals the beginning of modern design.
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