Art Deco: Iconic Design & Lifestyle of the 1920s & 1930s

Schuster & Co., Emil Cardinaux, 1920

1920

https://www.internationalposter.com/style-primers/art-deco-posters/ Poster design was a flourishing art medium during the Art Deco era. Such popular graphic design included subjects of international travel, exhibitions, product advertisements, and themes of the Near East. Poster design of this era demonstrates the strong influence from art styles, such as: Cubism, Futurism, Constructivism, and ancient geometric design.

"Lacquered Cabinet,"Jean Dunand & Jean Goulden, 1921

1921

https://www.widewalls.ch/art-deco-artists/ Lacquer was a popular style for Art Deco furniture and objects. The designer Jean Dunand was influenced by the "in vogue" Japanese cultural motifs of the time, as well as African art and Cubism. This brightly-colored lacquered cabinet is an example of his highly regarded decorative furniture.

"The Charleston Dance," Youtube, (1923-1928)

1923

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ7SNTSq-9o https://www.history.com/topics/roaring-twenties/flappers The Charleston was a popular dance during the 1920s, in mainstream American culture. It was directly related to the free-spiritedness of the "flapper" lifestyle, and dictated popular music of the time. This dance style illustrates the "good times" of "care-free rebellion," during the interwar period.

"Poster for the Exposition Internationale de Arts Décoratifs," Robert Bonfils, 1925

1925

https://www.theartstory.org/movement/art-deco/history-and-concepts/ http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O175840/paris-1925-exposition-internationale-des-poster-bonfils-robert/ This colored lithograph woodblock print was the iconic poster advertisement for the Art Deco Exposition in Paris in 1925. The exhibition lent itself to the establishment of Art Deco as a major design movement in Europe and abroad. The Typography is classic Art Deco font and the image posses themes from antiquity.

"Egyptian Revival Scarab Pin with Brightly Enameled Horus Wings," C. 1925

1925

https://www.langantiques.com/university/art-deco-jewelry/
https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/erev/hd_erev.htm This ornately enameled pin echoes ancient Egypt with its scarab beetle motif, showing the popularity of the "Egyptian Revival" style in the decorative arts of the 1920s. This influence came from the West's fascination with "orientalism," and "Egyptomania," which swept Europe in the early 20th century with the archaeological discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb.

"Dresses," Coco Chanel, C.1925

1925

https://www.langantiques.com/university/art-deco-jewelry/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/style/fashion-secrets-downton-abbeys-success-best-costumes-film/ The 1920s saw a drastic shift in women's fashion, with shorter hemlines, free waists, and straight lines. Women were freer to practice sports, drive, and just generally have a good time, without the restrictive fashion of Victorian times. Chanel was at the forefront of "flapper fashion," which saw its height in the mid 1920s.

"The Great Gatsby," F. Scott Fitzgerald,1925

1925

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/may/03/what-makes-great-gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald's book "The Great Gatsby" is a classic example of American literature from the Art Deco period. The novel speaks of the glitz and glamour of the "roaring twenties," in the wealthy parts of Long Island, NY. The opulent lifestyle described in this novel is reflected in the jewelry, fashion, and design of this era.

"Quatres Proverbes Par Tito" (One Piece), Ettore Tito, 1927

1927

https://www.1stdibs.com/art/prints-works-on-paper/figurative-prints-works-on-paper/ettore-tito-ettore-tito-quatres-proverbes-par-tito-four-hand-coloured-pochoir-prints/id-a_2622733/?utm_content=cpc__lp_test&utm_term=low&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=criteo&utm_campaign=display_intl-ireland-pdp-criteo-all&currency=eur This is one of four contemporary prints in a series by Italian artist Etorre Tito. The subject, color palette, and interior design are all quintessentially Art Deco in style.

"The Bullocks Wilshire building," John & Donald Parkinson, 1929

1929

https://laist.com/2016/07/12/wilshire_bullocks.php The Bullocks Wilshire building in LA is a fine example of Art Deco architecture. It was originally built as a luxury department store for well-to-do shoppers, reflecting the lavish Parisian and Hollywood lifestyles of this era. Bullock's business partner had attended the Paris arts exhibition in 1925 and had been inspired to create this type of Art Deco architectural-design for the city of LA.

“The Spirit of Transportation," Herman Sachs, C. 1929

1929

https://www.lamag.com/culturefiles/bullocks-wilshire-public-tour/ This large-scale mural can be seen at the motor court entrance in the Bullock Wilshire building in LA. Its colorful geometric "stained glass" design suggests the strong influences from Cubism seen in much of Art Deco design. The Roman mythological deity Mercury (Hermes in Greek mythology), is depicted in graceful motion, accompanied with strong elements of an Art Deco handling of his golden accessories.

"Chop Suey," Edward Hopper, 1929

1929

https://www.edwardhopper.net/edward-hopper-paintings.jsp#prettyPhoto Edward Hopper depicts two women, clad in 1920s garb, having tea in a cafe in his painting. The interior furnishings point to earlier influences for art deco design (i.e. Thonet- style bistro chair). Outside the window we can see part of the word "Suey" on what appears to be either a sign for a Chinese restaurant or theater, done in Art Deco lettering and lighting.

"Self Portrait in the Green Bugatti," Tamara De Lempicka, 1929

1929

https://www.the-artists.org/self-portrait-in-the-green-bugatti/ The famed oil painting self portrait by Polish artist Tamara De Lempicka is a clear depiction of women's independence during this era. Women could drive fast cars and be classy at the same time. The emerald green hue of the Bugatti was a popular color choice for Art Deco design, and the swift lines and movement depicted in the composition reflect influence from the Italian Futurist style.

"5.00 Carat Art Deco Saphire and Diamond Ring," Cartier, C.1930

1930

https://www.langantiques.com/university/art-deco-jewelry/ This chunky ring design was a popular style for Art Deco jewelry with its bold geometric form, large "gem cut" precious stone, and hints of diamonds in the corners. Such rings would have spoken to the lavish and glitzy lifestyles of women in city jazz clubs and in attendance of fancy parties across Europe and the U.S., even though during this time the U.S. had been thrown into the Great Depression.

"Spirit of the Wind," René Lalique, 1930

1930

https://www.widewalls.ch/art-deco-artists/ French designer Rene Lalique was highly regarded for his glass art creations. He started his career creating glass art sculptures of the Art Nouveau style, and then later, transitioned his style to the then "in vogue" style of Art Deco. This particular piece shows the grace and dexterity of the Art Deco aesthetic, with its free flowing motion of form and classical features, which echo antiquity.

"Josephine Baker-Stage Performer," Gaston Paris/Roger Viollet/Getty Images, C. 1930

1930

https://www.biography.com/performer/josephine-baker Josephine Baker was a profound singer, dancer, performer, and civli rights activist. She moved to Paris to dance on stage with some of the most famous performers of the time. Elaborate costumes were all a part of the thrill of the Parisian jazz clubs and theaters, adding to the general excitement of the lifestyle of the Art Deco age.

"The Empire State Building," Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, 1931

1931

http://architectuul.com/architecture/empire-state-building The Iconic Empire State Building is arguably the best know example of Art Deco architecture in the U.S. The skyscraper made its famous appearance in the 1933 film "King Kong," and has since been a popular reference in American media culture. The Empire State building features a grand lobby entrance, with golden deco features, and each floor boasts dark-marbled floors and walls, inlaid with Art Deco style doors and panels.

"Christ the Redeemer," Paul Landowski & Heitor da Silva Costa, 1931

1931

http://artdecostyle.ca/art-deco-style-blog/2016/8/20/art-deco-statue-christ-the-redeemer-rio-brazil Many may not realize that this iconic colossal statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is done in the Art Deco style. His long, simplified robes drape down in a similar fashion as the waistless dresses in fashion during this era. This example of a major Art Deco statue shows how the style influenced aesthetics in parts of South America as well.

"Evening Dress," designed by French designer Jean Patou, c.1932

1932

https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/art-deco-global-influences This elegant tulle evening gown depicts the classical bodice and drapery of ancient Greece. Fashion designers turned towards global influences and different historical eras for their Art Deco styles, as can be seen in this dress. The mythologies of antiquity were a welcome fantastical motif after the First World War, and appear in much of Art Deco design, including the fashion of the day.

"Settee from the S.S. Normandie," designed by French designer Jules Leleu, 1933

1933

https://www.kirklandmuseum.org/collections/work/settee-from-the-s-s-normandie/ Furniture design was hugely popular amongst the Art Deco design movement and much of it is still coveted in personal collections and decor museums worldwide to this day. This creme colored settee, with curved lines, was actually designed for the "S.S. Normandie" French ocean liner, to accompany its overall Art Deco interiors. The settee would have likely been placed in a cocktail lounge on the vessel.

"Two Rock Crystal and Diamond Clip Brooches," Van Cleef & Arpels, 1933

1933

https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-timeless-appeal-of-art-deco-jewels These impressive diamond earrings signify the classy and opulent lifestyle embodied in much of Art Deco jewelry design. The jeweler attained an "invisible" affect with the way they set the diamonds agains the clear crystal inlay, a popular Art Deco design. These earrings demonstrate the great skill and advancement in gem stone cutting techniques during the 1930s.

"Art Deco Bedside Table," Cranagaratnam Collection, C. 1933

1933

https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3001192/chinas-art-deco-influence-how-east-redefined-french-design This dynamically carved geometric side table is made from Hongmu wood, the traditional material of Chinese furniture. This piece shows Eastern design influence from China, a popular concept for Art Deco, while also displaying Cubist forms. This table demonstrates the multidimensional and multicultural essence of Art Deco design.

"Original Art Deco Home," Toby Millar, 1935

1935

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/new-to-market/art-deco-original-with-super-sea-views-high-on-howth-head-for-1-7m-1.4027446 This beautifully preserved example of an Art Deco-style home overlooks Dublin Bay in Ireland. The house has classic rounded edges, clean lines, simplistic curvature, and a pleasant eggshell white color, all characteristic of this style. The long curved windows add to the overall panoramic appeal of the classy but quiet Art Deco design.

"Eltham Palace Entrance," Seely &Paget, and Rolf Engstromer, 1936

1936

http://www.designcurial.com/news/the-top-10-best-art-deco-buildings-in-the-world-6939170/ The Eltham Palace is located in Greenwich, London and boasts full-on Art Deco interiors, converted from the previous Tudor style. This sitting room is an example of the epitome of Art Deco interior design. The walls are covered in swatches of wooden veneer paneling, while rounded forms are present with the windows and rug. The overall feeling of light and openness speaks of the Art Deco era.

"The Marlin Hotel (Miami, FL)," L. Murray Dixon, C. 1939

1939

https://www.travelweekly.com/North-America-Travel/Art-deco-decadence-at-Miami-Beachs-made-over-Marlin-Hotel Miami, FL is a major hub for bright and sunny historic Art Deco design. The Marlin Hotel is a prime example, located in Miami Beach's "Art Deco district." Its pastel color palette screams deco, which changes to glowing outlines of neon lights at night- reminiscent of the neon signs of the 20s and 30s. The hotel displays a grand facade, with Art Deco font, and curvilinear edges.