Vienna Secession
At the turn of the 20th century, Gustav Klimt, Josef Hoffmann and several of their peers separated from the predominant Association of Austrian Artists to form a new professional union, the Vienna Secession. Their intent to break free from classical traditions in fine art evolved to encompass applied arts and interior design as well: In 1903, Hoffmann and Koloman Moser founded the Wiener Werkstätte, or "Viennese Workshop," to produce progressive furniture, ceramics, glass and textiles.
This talented collective of Austrian artists, architects and designers most famously created works in the Jugendstil style — the German branch of Western Europe's popular Art Nouveau. Jugendstil is associated with dynamic, rhythmic forms and undulating lines. Below, discover the sophisticated art and decorative objects, ranging from paintings and prints to tableware and seating, that transformed Austria over one hundred years ago and maintain timeless appeal today.
1890s Vienna Secession Vienna Secession
Lithograph
Early 1900s German Antique Vienna Secession
Chalcedony, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Vienna Secession
Mother-of-Pearl, Mahogany, Pearwood, Lacquer
19th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Vienna Secession
Bentwood
Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession
Bentwood
Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Vienna Secession
Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession
Brass
Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Vienna Secession
Leather, Beech
1950s American Modern Vintage Vienna Secession
Terracotta
Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Vienna Secession
Cane, Beech
Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Vienna Secession
Iron
Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Vienna Secession
Upholstery, Beech, Bentwood
Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Vienna Secession
Beech, Bentwood
1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Vienna Secession
Brass
Early 20th Century American American Classical Vienna Secession
Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Vienna Secession
Agate, Chalcedony, Sterling Silver
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Vienna Secession
Other
19th Century Antique Vienna Secession
Pine
Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Antique Vienna Secession
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Silver, Enamel
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Vienna Secession
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary American Vienna Secession
Wood
19th Century Antique Vienna Secession
Wood
18th Century German Baroque Antique Vienna Secession
Walnut, Pine
1920s Scottish Vintage Vienna Secession
Walnut
1950s Italian Artisan Vintage Vienna Secession
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel