Art Deco Art

The glamorous Art Deco, or style moderne, movement of the 1920s and 1930s was more than just a visual arts movement. Art Deco was considered a new way to display wealth and sophistication. It was celebrated in artwork, architecture, fashion, and life. In music, this was known as the Jazz Age and Scott Fitzgerald's classic 1925 novel, 'The Great Gatsby' is an iconic example of the glamour this era evoked. The style was streamlined and used geometrics such as chevrons and zigzags. Objects and art often featured nude female figures, sun rays, and luxurious materials. Formative influences include Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, and Cubism. Notable artists of the Art Deco style include Georges Augustin Barbier who was known for his illustrations, costumes, jewelry, and wallpaper designs as well as being a vibrant cultural presence. Tamara de Lempicka was one of the most prominent portrait painters of the Art Deco movement and was favored by an elite audience.