Art Deco revolutionized the art world in the early 20th century by embracing a wide range of objects as art, from glassware to jewelry.
This movement redefined everyday items, transforming them into celebrated works with intricate geometric patterns and sleek designs.
Emerging after World War I, Art Deco symbolized hope and a fresh start, moving away from the ornate styles of the past.
The 1925 Paris World’s Fair showcased this new aesthetic, featuring stylized shapes, chevron, sunburst, and zigzag patterns that became hallmark elements.
Iconic structures like the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings exemplify Art Deco’s lasting legacy, influencing decorative arts even today.
1. The Chrysler Building by William Van Alen
The Chrysler Building by William Van Alen transformed New York City’s skyline with its striking Art Deco design. Completed in 1930, this 77-story tower was built in less than two years, adding an average of four stories each week.
Featuring a stainless steel spire, the building is adorned with iconic Art Deco gargoyles resembling radiator caps, showcasing Van Alen’s innovative style. The base boasts colorful Art Deco friezes, while the lobby displays symbols of modernity.
As a giant advertisement for Chrysler automobiles, the Chrysler Building remains a quintessential example of the Art Deco movement, highlighting the era’s emphasis on geometric patterns and decorative elegance.
2. Poster for the Chicago World’s Fair by Weimer Pursell
Crafted in 1933, Weimer Pursell’s poster for the Chicago World’s Fair embodies Art Deco’s signature elegance and geometric precision.
Featuring bold lines and vibrant colors, the design captures the fair’s futuristic vision and optimism. Pursell’s use of streamlined forms and stylized motifs highlights the movement’s focus on modernity and progress.
The poster not only promoted the fair but also served as a visual celebration of technological advancement and architectural innovation. Its intricate detailing and balanced composition make it a quintessential example of Art Deco’s influence on graphic design.
3. Christ the Redeemer by Paul Landowski
Erected in 1931, Christ the Redeemer majestically stands atop Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro. Sculpted by Paul Landowski and engineered by Heitor da Silva Costa, this 30-meter statue seamlessly integrates Art Deco elements with profound religious symbolism.
Its geometric lines and streamlined forms reflect the movement’s focus on modernity and elegance. Overlooking the city, Christ the Redeemer serves as a symbol of peace and welcome.
This masterpiece not only defines Rio’s skyline but also exemplifies Art Deco’s lasting influence on large-scale sculpture and architectural design.
4. London Underground Poster by Horace Taylor (1924)
Horace Taylor’s London Underground poster exemplifies Art Deco’s striking visual style. Showcasing bold geometric patterns and vibrant colors, the poster captures the movement’s emphasis on modernity and elegance.
Featuring streamlined typography, it conveys a sense of efficiency and progress, aligning with the era’s optimism.
Taylor utilized symmetrical designs and stylized motifs, making the poster both eye-catching and functional for public transportation advertising.
This artwork not only promoted the London Underground but also reinforced Art Deco’s influence on graphic design.
Today, Taylor’s poster remains a celebrated piece, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Art Deco movement in urban aesthetics.
5. Interpretation of Harlem Jazz I by Winold Reiss
Winold Reiss’s Harlem Jazz I captures the vibrant energy of the Harlem Renaissance through Art Deco’s geometric elegance.
Featuring bold lines and stylized figures, the artwork highlights the rhythmic movement of jazz musicians.
Reiss uses a rich color palette, emphasizing golds and deep blues, to convey sophistication and dynamism. The composition balances symmetry with dynamic forms, reflecting the movement’s focus on modernity and cultural pride.
By integrating architectural motifs and musical elements, Harlem Jazz I exemplifies Art Deco’s ability to blend decorative artistry with contemporary themes, celebrating Harlem’s influential artistic scene.
6. Moulin Rouge Poster by Charles Gesmar (1925)
Charles Gesmar’s 1925 Moulin Rouge Poster showcases Art Deco with its bold geometric shapes and vibrant colors.
It captures Parisian nightlife through stylized figures and streamlined lines. Gesmar uses symmetrical designs and metallic tones, highlighting the era’s focus on luxury and modernity.
This poster isn’t just an advertisement for the iconic nightclub; it’s a prime example of Art Deco’s impact on graphic design.
Its detailed patterns and dynamic composition make it a standout piece that embodies the movement’s elegant and modern aesthetic.
7. Entrance of the Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles by Claud Beelman
Claud Beelman crafted the Entrance of the Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles in 1930, epitomizing Art Deco style. The façade features vibrant turquoise and gold terra cotta, intricate geometric patterns, and stylized floral motifs.
Symmetrical lines and bold colors highlight the era’s emphasis on luxury and modernity. The iconic clock tower, embellished with decorative elements, stands as a city landmark, drawing attention with its ornate design.
By blending streamlined forms with elaborate details, Beelman’s work captures Art Deco’s sophistication and artistic flair.
Today, the Eastern Columbia Building remains a celebrated example of Art Deco architecture, enhancing downtown Los Angeles’s skyline.
8. Crown of the General Electric Building in New York by John and Elliot Cross
The Crown of the General Electric Building, located at 570 Lexington Avenue, exemplifies Art Deco elegance.
Designed by architects John and Elliot Cross in 1933, it features intricate geometric patterns and streamlined forms typical of the movement.
Aluminum detailing and decorative motifs highlight modernity and sophistication. Its symmetrical design and lavish ornamentation make it a standout piece in New York City’s skyline.
As a registered historic building, the General Electric Building’s crown continues to inspire architects and art enthusiasts, embodying Art Deco’s lasting legacy in architectural design.
9. Symphony in Black by Erté in 1892
Symphony in Black stands as a testament to Erté’s unparalleled contribution to the Art Deco movement, capturing elegance and sophistication in every detail.
Artwork Details
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Artist | Erté |
| Date Painted | 1983 |
| Medium | Serigraph on paper |
| Dimensions | 546 cm x 438 cm |
| Current Location | Unknown |
Symphony in Black showcases a slender woman in a stunning black dress, a feathery overcoat, and an avant-garde headdress walking her equally slender black dog.
This piece embodies Art Deco’s essence with its sleek, clean lines and ornamental touches on the woman’s headpiece, coat cuffs, and the dog’s stylish collar.
Erté masterfully blends graphic art with elements of jewelry, fashion, and costume design, resulting in a harmonious and elegant composition.
Despite the absence of distinct facial features, the woman’s confident demeanor radiates through, highlighting Erté’s ability to capture natural beauty and assurance. The exquisite craftsmanship of Symphony in Black makes it a glorious example of Art Deco artistry.
10. L’Entracte by Georges Lepape
Georges Lepape, a prominent illustrator of the Art Deco era, created L’Entracte as a reflection of the sophistication and allure of French high society.
Lepape dedicated himself to capturing the social interactions during intermissions at theater performances.
The illustration features elegant figures, geometric shapes, and bold use of color, celebrating the movement’s embrace of extravagance in society. L’Entracte serves as a visual ode to the glamour and excitement of the Art Deco era.
These Art Deco masterpieces illustrate a world of innovation, sophistication, and cultural dynamism.
From towering skyscrapers to glamorous posters and illustrations, each artwork reflects the spirit of an era that embraced modern elegance and the avant-garde.
The Art Deco movement continues to captivate with its enduring legacy. Every time we design or wear something “vintage,” Art Deco pays homage to this benchmark art movement.
