This elegant oak magazine or sheet music stand, dating from around 1915, is a beautiful example of the Dutch Art Nouveau movement known as Nieuwe Kunst. Nieuwe Kunst was the Dutch interpretation of the international Art Nouveau style, emphasizing refined craftsmanship, natural materials, and a clear break from the heavy historical revival styles of the 19th century.
The stand’s design displays the hallmark characteristics of this artistic period - balanced geometry, honest joinery, and subtle decorative details that celebrate the beauty of the material itself. Constructed in oak, it features a warm patina that enhances the grain and depth of the wood. The vertical and horizontal elements are elegantly proportioned, giving the piece a light architectural presence.
A refined decorative inlay in the central back panel adds an artisanal touch - a small but striking motif that demonstrates the maker’s attention to detail and sense of harmony. The brass (or copper) rods forming the angled shelf structure bring a delicate contrast in color and texture, while also lending functional support for holding magazines, sheet music, or periodicals.
The stand remains in very good condition, with only minor signs of age and use consistent with its history.
A fine example of early 20th-century Dutch craftsmanship, this piece embodies the spirit of the Nieuwe Kunst movement: refined, functional, and beautifully crafted.
Creator
Manufacturer
Design Period
1910 to 1929
Production Period
1920s or earlier
Country of Manufacture
Netherlands
Identifying Marks
Style
Art Nouveau, Nieuwe Kunst, Art Deco, Arts & Crafts
