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

Unveiling the Darker Side of Art Deco

Art Deco, the defining style of the interwar years, is often perceived as glamorous and extravagant. However, its bold aesthetic is rooted in a complex and questionable mix of inspirations from ancient civilizations, including Tutankhamun's tomb and Aztec temples.

The Art Deco movement emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, leaving an indelible mark on the world of architecture. Iconic landmarks like the Chrysler Building in New York, constructed in 1928, epitomize the style's glamour and sophistication.

Art Deco is often associated with luxury and opulence, evoking images of glittering skyscrapers, ornate cinemas, and lavish parties, as depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Despite its unified appearance, Art Deco was never a single, cohesive style.

It evokes images of glittering skyscrapers trimmed with chrome, cinemas fronted by ziggurat steps and mansion parties as seen in the likes of F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby

Author's summary: Art Deco's glamorous facade conceals a complex history.

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HistoryExtra HistoryExtra — 2025-10-18

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