Style Art Nouveau / Ref.12630

Art Nouveau mahogany woodwork from Café Barjot in Paris, 1905

This woodwork characteristic of the Art Nouveau style comes from the Café Barjot located avenue Ledru-Rollin in the 12th district of Paris, it was made in 1905. It is composed on a first wall of a symmetrical set of seven beveled mirrors - one of which is large - framed by mahogany in the shape of a stylized tree with sinuous lines. The same assembly of mirrors is found on the wall facing it, with a decoration of enamelled flowers in relief on some parts of the mirrors. The third wall is composed in its center of an alcove with beveled mirrors and a clock in a mahogany and glass decoration enamelled with plants. On either side of this alcove is a set of mahogany-framed mirrors with a relief enamel decoration of stylized flowers interlaced with leaves on a white background. Two of the panels are also inhabited by ibis. To the left, the wall continues with an arcade flanked by mahogany-framed beveled mirrors, and to the right by the same decoration, but the arcade is replaced by a large beveled mirror.

The decoration of this woodwork is characteristic of the Art Nouveau style that emerged at the end of the 19th century in Europe. This style contrasts with the creations of the previous period belonging to the realistic/naturalist style, sometimes considered dark and severe. Thus, the ousting of straight lines and right angles to emphasize instead curved lines inspired by plants is a recurring feature. Fundamental elements such as color and the use of materials such as glass help to create the effect of fantasy and a feeling of lightness.

Many Parisian cafés and restaurants decorated at the beginning of the 20th century have seen their walls adorned with Art Nouveau woodwork with sinuous lines decorated with mirrors and stained glass windows with decorations inspired by natural elements. For example, we can mention the restaurant Le Vagenende, boulevard Saint-Germain in the 6th arrondissement or the restaurant Maxim's rue Royale in the 8th arrondissement.