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Josef Hoffmann

Austrian, 1870-1956

The Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann was a central figure in the evolution of modern design, and a leader in an aesthetic movement born in Europe in the late 19th century that rejected florid, extravagant ornamentation in favor of a new emphasis on simplicity of line.

As a founder of the Vienna Secession — a union of artists and designers determined to upend Austria’s artistic conservatism — and later, a founder of the turn-of-the-century Wiener Werkstätte (in English: the Viennese Workshops), a design cooperative that produced superbly crafted furniture and housewares, Hoffmann was a pioneering practitioner of what would become a fundamental principle of modernism: that good design is a way of life.

Hoffmann came of age amidst a shift in the culture of the applied arts, as a conservative order that looked only to the past for inspiration was pushed aside. But what, exactly, would replace that order was in question — and Hoffmann’s career embodies the developing patterns of design’s new spirit. His architectural work reflects his time as a student of the Vienna architect Otto Wagner, who disdained excessive decoration and employed new materials such as steel girders and reinforced concrete to create buildings with airy, open interiors full of light.

As a designer of furniture and interiors, Hoffmann was consistently open-minded about the aesthetics he explored. He was an early adherent of the flowing, organic forms of the Art Nouveau design movement that began to flourish in the late 1880s — but by the opening of the Wiener Werkstätte in 1903, Hoffmann’s designs embraced the beauty of geometry in pieces that feature grids and angular forms.

Hoffmann’s greatest works reflect his ability to combine seemingly conflicting design visions into coherent wholes. His architectural masterpiece, the Stoclet Palace in Brussels, has an exterior that groups together simple geometric forms and spacious interiors marked by subtly naturalistic design details that lend rooms an air of charm and geniality.

Hoffmann’s signature furniture design is an adjustable lounge chair — the Sitzmaschine (1905) — that marries a curving frame with square and rectangular back- and side rests. This piece, like so many others by Hoffmann, reflects a groundbreaking, forward-thinking appreciation for the union of different looks and sources that marks the best of interior design in our own day. Moreover, items offered on 1stDibs — which range from enameled silver jewelry, to silver flower vase baskets and other decorative objects, to sofas, lighting pendants and sconces — testify to the astonishing breadth of Hoffman’s creative pursuits. He was truly a giant of design.

Average Sold Price
$3,665
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Josef Hoffmann 'Fledermaus Bat' Chair Model No.728
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Basel, BS
Designed by the renowned Viennese architect Josef Hoffmann in 1907 for the Fledermaus Cafe in Vienna, this single "Fledermaus" Model number 728, aka "Bat" Cafe chair features black upholstery covering the seat and backrest. The chair is supported by four cylindrical legs with spherical elements, showcasing a tub back with a horseshoe form base. Crafted from bent beech wood, this rare chair was specifically created for the Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna as one of Hoffmann's iconic designs. Representing a significant moment in design history, the chair is featured in the J. & J. Kohn catalogues as model no. 728. With its sleek bentwood frame, swooping armrests, and curved backrests, the chair exudes elegance and sophistication. The Fledermaus chairs embody Hoffmann's renowned Viennese Secessionist style, known for its simple geometric shapes and use of high-quality materials. Considered a bold departure from traditional European nightclubs, the design quickly gained popularity for its iconic and innovative aesthetic. This is an authentic Hoffmann chair manufactured by Wittman, the authorized manufacturer of the Fledermaus starting in the 1970s. This chair was sold by "Teo Jacob...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Josef Hoffmann

Materials

Leather, Faux Leather, Beech

J.&J. Kohn Vienna Art Nouveau Seating Suite 'Buenos Aires' Model 675, Circa 1906
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant Art Nouveau seating suite consisting of a setee and two armchairs, quality handcrafted furniture with decorative bentwood elements that combine formal beauty and function. Be...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Josef Hoffmann

Materials

Brass

Vintage design bistro chair model 811 by Josef Hoffmann for FMG
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Harderwijk, NL
This charming vintage design café chair is model no. 811, also known as the ‘Prague Chair.’ It was designed by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet and produced by FMG in Poland in the 1960s. ...
Category

20th Century Josef Hoffmann

Materials

Wicker, Wood

Josef Hoffman for Thonet Set of Six Bentwood and Cane Chairs
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Pasadena, TX
Rare pair of No. 811 Thonet chairs or Prague chairs designed by Josef Hoffman. The chairs feature an iconic bentwood frame design with square shaped arms and a caned seat and back. E...
Category

Early 20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Josef Hoffmann

Materials

Bentwood

Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette Crystal Wall Light, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass lamp, optionally varnished or nickel-plated, all other surfaces on request, glass beads, fire polished Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional char...
Category

2010s Austrian Jugendstil Josef Hoffmann

Materials

Brass

Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette Crystal Wall Light, Re-Edition
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette Crystal Wall Light, Re-Edition
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H 15.75 in W 9.85 in D 7.88 in
Pair of bentwood Armchairs mod. Fledermaus by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet, 1910s
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brussels , BE
Pair of bentwood Armchairs mod. Fledermaus by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet, 1910s Produced by J&J Kohn - Austria, 1905 Measures : 57cmx50cm H:71cm SH:44,5cm Materials : Beech - Fabric
Category

Early 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Josef Hoffmann

Materials

Bentwood

Augarten 'Melon' Art Déco Mocha Set, Designed By Josef Hoffmann, Vienna, 20th
By Augarten Porzellanmanufaktur, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
In 1929, Josef Hoffmann, founder of the legendary 'Wiener Werkstätte, designed this world-famous mocha service. Hoffmann was one of the greatest designers of the 20th century and a m...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Josef Hoffmann

Materials

Porcelain

Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Single Light Pendant for Wiener Werkstätte, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Hanging- lamp from the showrooms of the Wiener Werkstätte used by Hoffmann in several variations. Hammered originally. Works-number M115, pattern-book of the Wiener Werkstaette: WWMB...
Category

2010s Austrian Jugendstil Josef Hoffmann

Materials

Crystal, Brass

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Josef Hoffmann furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Josef Hoffmann furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Josef Hoffmann furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 229 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 139 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Josef Hoffmann were created in the Art Nouveau style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Wiener Werkstätte, Koloman Moser, and Woka Lamps. Prices for Josef Hoffmann furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $399 and can go as high as $99,099, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,347.
Questions About Josef Hoffmann
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024
    Josef Hoffmann invented the Sitzmaschine, an adjustable lounge chair that the Austrian designer unveiled in 1905. Literally called a “machine for sitting,” it was originally created for a sanatorium in Purkersdorf, near Vienna. It has a curving frame with square and rectangular back and side rests. Like so many other designs by Hoffmann, this piece reflects a forward-thinking appreciation for the union of different sources, here the Arts and Crafts movement and modern design. Find a collection of Josef Hoffmann furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

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