Frequently asked questions
The most common question is how to tell a real antique from a copy:
Unfortunately the most coveted pieces today still fall prey to counterfeiters, we can only advise you to protect yourself from a bad surprise by always requiring an invoice with as many details as possible and clearly stating the year of manufacture.
In a few words, art nouveau is characterized by curved lines, sculptures of naturalistic or animal inspiration, while art deco is characterized by geometric, cubic and very refined lines.
Art Nouveau takes root in the “Art and Craft” movement which emerged in England in the mid-19th century, in opposition to the development of increasing industrialization in Europe.
The first use of the term Art Nouveau appeared in the Belgian journal l'art moderne in 1884.
Although after 1905 the style tended to modernize, it was the start of the First World War in 1914 which put an end to the period.
The antiques glossary
Do not hesitate to ask us questions to enrich our glossary
Art Nouveau is an artistic movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries that draws on naturalistic aesthetics often characterized by curved lines.
Born in reaction against the excesses of excessive industrialization and the sclerotic reproduction of classic styles, it is a sudden, rapid movement, which is experiencing international development.
The Nancy school or provincial alliance of art industries is the spearhead of art nouveau in France.
The essential inspiration is to be found in plant and animal forms.
This alliance is based on extensive research into use in glassware, furniture, painting, ironwork, sculpture and ceramics, to put beauty in the hands of everyone and thus bring art into homes .
Art Deco is an artistic movement born during the 1910s and which came into full bloom after the First World War before declining from the 1930s.
It is the first architecture-decoration movement of a global nature.
The Art Deco style takes its name from the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts which was held in Paris in 1925.
In the heart of Lorraine, Longwy was a major ceramic center in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Founded in 1798, the Faïencerie initially produced classic pieces such as table services.
Around 1870, in response to the French craze for cloisonné products from the Far East, the factory applied the principle of partitioning or circling for decorations to earthenware.
The notoriety of Earthenware has attracted the greatest artists who love the material and the technique, create shapes and decorations... to this day!
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