Glitz, glamour and Gatsby? Not quite. Here’s why the Art Deco movement is darker than you think

The Darker Side of Art Deco

Art Deco, the defining style of the interwar years, is often associated with glamour and luxury. However, its inspiration is rooted in a questionable patchwork of influences from antiquity, including Tutankhamun's tomb and Aztec temples.

The Art Deco movement emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by its bold and glamorous style, as seen in landmarks like the Chrysler Building in New York. It evokes images of skyscrapers, cinemas, and mansion parties, reminiscent of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.

Art Deco was never a single unified style

Despite its glamorous appearance, Art Deco's complexity and darker undertones are often overlooked. Author's summary: Art Deco's glamorous facade hides a complex history.

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HistoryExtra HistoryExtra — 2025-10-18

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