1895 France
The predominant style in art and architecture at the turn of the century was called Art Nouveau in France. The term dates from a gallery opened in Paris in 1895, furnished with furniture by Henry v.d. Velde.

Art Nouveau drew its inspiration from the endeavour to instil a modern ideal of beauty in everyday objects - the artistic importance lay in the attempt to overcome recourse to earlier eras by means of totally new shapes.

France, the traditional manufacturer of luxury goods wallowed here, as it did later in the Art Deco era, in extravagant forms of design; the upper middle class alone could afford most of the individually produced, precious objects.

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Classic elegance - French Art Deco. A dancer Demetre Chiparus.
© Sothebys London, 20th Century Decorative Arts & Design, 6th April 00'