It's amazing to see the plethora of 1940's and 1950's stuff on eBay that is dubbed "Art Deco". Those eras may have those influences, but not true Deco. The true Deco period was approx. 1922-1939 or so and characterized by intricate geometric designs in jewelry and architecture and smooth curves in statuary, not to be confused with Art Nouveau which was the late 1800's to early 1920's and was characterized by gentle curved designs using nature/floral motifs. Art Deco was a complete opposite of the Art Nouveau period which immediately preceeded it. Art Deco started in France and valued and exhaulted man's industrial leanings and conquering of the wilderness-a very human and some may say "cold" reflected art. The Crysler building in New York City is arguably the finest example of Art Deco architecture in the world. If you know that building, then you will know Art Deco design. I think it would really help a lot of eBayers if they did a little art research to know exactly what they are selling in terms of design. I have seen so much 1950's stuff that is listed as Art Deco that really doesn't fit into that design category. Visit my eBay store at "Diamond Sparklers Ltd Fine Jewelry" and you will see a lot of Deco jewelry design. Hope this helps a little in Art history 101. Floydlawson10
Thank you for the great info. I have never really done any historical research about Art Deco, just know that I love how it looks.
In regards to the ebay listings mis catagorized as Art Deco, that drives me crazy too. But I think this is done because the more "catch phrases" that are put into a listing will broaden the exposure of the item. Also, I think maybe a seller knows the difference, but doesn't think buyers will. And then again, maybe some sellers don't have enough knowledge about styles or periods, and don't have the integrity to do a little research to make sure their item is not misrepresented.
Again, thank you for the history lesson, I am going to go google the Crysler Building!
I was crazy for Art Nouveu and Art Deco when I was 12. Art Deco is named after the 1925 French show: Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes. Sometime around the early 1930s Art Deco morphed into Streamlining or what author Martin Grief termed Depression Modern or Art Moderne. Art Moderne symbolized the modern, machine age. This new design philosophy was the the theme of the 1933 Chicago World's Fair , whose motto was A Century of Progress. In 1934 Chrysler introduced the Airflow one of the earliest examples of streamlining. The look of Airflow was ahead of its time and never quite caught on with car buyers. It ceased production in 1937. Under such design giants as Donald Deskey and Raymond Loewy, streamlining defined the look of America from the 1930s, through WWII and right up to the 1950s when it morphed into the clean, spare lines of Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, and Europe's International Style and Christian Dior's New Look. Add to that America's crazy forward-thinking Populuxe style of Predicta television sets and razor- edge Cadillac fins. Some of the best examples of Art Moderne: Rockefeller Center, NY, Frank Llloyd Wright's Johnson Wax Building, Racine WI and a totally odd blending of classical architecture blended with Art Moderne: The Federal Triangle buildings and the Federal Reserve building in Washington, D.C.
Sorry Floyd.......many people follow the same assumptions about art deco that you are falling into. I have completed a great deal of research on art deco and art deco influences directed toward the figural art deco lamp venue. I offer a detailed history of art deco figural lamps and contributing influences on my website, which I will kindly invite you to visit: http://www.artdecolampgallery.com/the-history-of-art-deco-lamps/
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