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.
Original Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Bench/Settee, Early 20th Century restored
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Otto Prutscher, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Attributed to either Josef Hoffmann or Otto Prutscher as both of the designers did similar objects in bentwood at this time, and both were using balls or olives for joining the legs ...
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
Original Josef Hoffmann & J. & J. Kohn Bench Vienna Secession, 1901
By Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare and early bench, obviously the role model for the famous Barrel chair #720 which was presented four years later, in 1905.
Bentwood, Plywood
Josef Hoffmann 795 Barrel Ensemble , by J. & J. Kohn
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare Variation of Hoffmanns ‘720 Half-Barrel Settee Lit.: Die Wiener Werkstätte 1903-1932, Gabriele Fahr Becker, Taschen Verlag S. 106 Material: Bentwood and Plywood.
Beech
20th Century Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Bentwood Seating Set by Kohn, AT ca. 1907
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Lovely early 20th century Art Nouveau bentwood seating set designed by the world renowed Austrian architect and founder of the "Wiener Werkstaette" - Josef Hoffmann for Jacob & Josef...
Fabric, Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann, Purkersdorf Chair by Wittmann, Austria, circa 1990
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Renens, CH
Priced per chair Designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1903 for the entrance hall of the Purkersdorf Sanatorium near Vienna, this chair is a key example of Viennese Modernism and the Vienna...
Fabric, Wood
$2,400
H 38 in W 46.75 in D 18 in
Vienna Secessionist Bentwood Cane Loveseat Settee Bench by JJ Kohn 1880/1920's
By Thonet, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional bentwood settee, loveseat, bench, by J J Kohn. This charming bench is in excellent, original, clean and ready to use condition, free of damage or repairs. Executed in Au...
Cane, Beech
$1,855Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.75 in W 23.63 in D 20.48 in
Josef Hoffmann Variation of Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Armchair by Fischel
By Josef Hoffmann, Fischel
Located in Praha, CZ
- wooden parts made of beechwood has been refurbished and finished by shellac - original springs - needs to be reupholstered - made in Czechoslovakia - labeled by producer
Fabric, Beech
$5,595Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Josef Hoffmann "Fledermaus" Bat Seating Group, Suite, Thonet, Art Nouveau, Deco
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Josef Hoffmann "Fledermaus" bat seating group. Suite. Thonet. Consisting of four chairs and matching table. The seating group is still in its original ...
$3,718Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 30.32 in W 24.41 in D 25.6 in
Vintage 1910s Josef Hoffmann Easy Lounge Chairs, Style of Gatsby
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Two Elegant Josef Hoffmann Chairs made by Manufactor Jacob & Josef Kohn. Early 20th-Century Armchairs in Great Gatsby Style. Crafted around 1910 Jugendstil , these armchairs r...
Fabric, Beech
$2,434 / set
H 29.14 in W 22.64 in D 18.12 in
2 Wittmann Fledermaus Chairs by Josef Hoffmann, Austria (Customizable)
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Argelato, BO
Set di due sedie modello "Fledermaus" (che significa "pipistrello" in tedesco), progettato dall'architetto e designer austriaco Josef Hoffmann nel 1907. Originariamente concepito per...
Bentwood
Antique Swedish Jugendstil Bench
Located in Nijlen, BE
19th-century Swedish bench from the Art Nouveau period. Beautiful piece in an ebonized finish. Upholstered in a new bouclé fabric. The wood details are beautifully carved. A multifun...
Wood
$3,942 / set
H 36.62 in W 15.36 in D 16.54 in
Set of 4 Bat Chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann Austria
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
The wood is a feast for the eyes. The seat cushions need replacing, as they have holes and wear marks. The back cushions are OK, but probably need reupholstering too.
Elm
$3,800
H 30.31 in W 48.43 in D 21.26 in
20th Century Art Nouveau Bench - Bentwood, newly upholstered, Austria circa 1910
By Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Absolute beautiful, early 20th century Art Nouveau bentwood bench attributed to the renowned company of Jacob & Josef Kohn in Vienna/Austria. An incredible timeless design impressing...
Fabric, Bentwood
Purkersdorf armchairs By Josef Hoffmann - not signed
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Paddington, NSW
Totally restored with the original patina. Not signed. Josef Hoffmann (1870–1956) was an influential Austrian architect and designer, known for his pivotal role in the development o...
Fabric, Lacquer
$3,478
H 41.34 in W 46.86 in D 25.6 in
J. & J. Kohn Bentwood and Rattan Bench, with Label, Austria, Circa 1900
By Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Beirut, LB
An elegant bentwood bench/sofa by the celebrated Austrian manufacturer J. & J. Kohn, dating to the turn of the 20th century. This exceptional piece exemplifies the artistry and innov...
Cane, Bentwood
$4,118Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 20.08 in D 17.33 in
4 Fledermaus "bat"Dining Chairs by Josef Hoffmann by Wittmann, Austria
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Zevenaar, NL
Fledermaus Chairs by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann, 1980s Fledermaus set in Art Nouveau style consisting of four chairs, executed by the company Wittmann. The design is by Josef Hoffm...
Cotton, Beech, Bentwood
Armchair by Josef Hoffmann for Jacob and Josef Kohn, Vienna
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Kohn catalog no 423 on the 1st picture chair which is already sold. The chair is still in original condition (pic.2,3) so you have the possibility to choose the color of the wood and fabric or leather. The price incl. shellack polish and traditionally upholstery with "Backhausen" fabric or leather. Delivery time about 4-6 weeks Lit. Giovanni Renzi, Il mobile moderno, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Milano 2008, S. 226; Julio Vives Chillida, Jacob & Josef Kohn, Catalogo (estratto) dei mobili in legno curvato, ca. 1912, o. O. 2008, S. 2, Nr. 423 F u. C.; Ausst. Kat. Josef Hoffmann und sein Kreis, Galerie Alt Wien...
Beech, Bentwood
Sold
H 30.3 in W 21.6 in D 20.5 in
Black Art Nouveau Armchairs by J. Hoffmann Attributed to J&J Kohn, AT ca. 1910
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Incredible looking pair of black lacquered bentwood armchairs designed by the famous Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann, attributed to the renown company of Jacob & Josef Kohn Vienna....
Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann Fledermaus Bentwood Settee Bench / White Lacquer
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Buffalo, NY
Originally designed by Josef Hoffmann for Cabaret "Fledermaus" in Viennas city centre. Beech bentwood painted bench manufactured by Thonet Vienna.. Difficult to determine exact age ?...
Fabric, Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann Bentwood Settee
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Originally designed by Josef Hoffmann for Cabaret "Fledermaus" in Viennas city centre. Beech bentwood bench manufactured by Thonet Vienna Nut stained, seat and backrest upholstered...
Beech, Bentwood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 47.25 in D 22.05 in
Original Josef Hoffmann Fledermaus #728 Ensemble 1905 Jugendstil Secession Style
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
An extraordinary modern design from 1905, the time when Josef Hoffmann was on the zenith of his creativity, consisting of, two armchairs and a settee, beech bentwood, brown-stained, ...
Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann Wooden Bench for Thonet, 1925
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Joseph Hoffmann Wooden Bench for Thonet, 1925 Josef Hoffman learned the skill of design during a time when structure and conformity was not only the norm, but the requirement. The...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 46.9 in W 29.1 in D 18.5 in
Art Nouveau Bentwood Bench by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn, Austria, circa 1905
By Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Remarkable bentwood bench designed the famous Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann for the renown company of Jacob & Josef Kohn Vienna. Josef Hoffmann was also the founding member of th...
Leather, Bentwood
Sold
H 29.5 in W 47.25 in D 18.75 in
Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann "Cabaret Fledermaus" Bench in Beechwood
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural bench originally designed in 1907 by Josef Hoffman for the Cabaret Fledermaus and manufactured in the 1960s by the Austrian manufacturer,...
Upholstery, Beech
Bench by Josef Hoffman -Austria, circa 1900s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brussels, BE
Bench by Josef Hoffman -Austria, circa 1900s.
Wood
Sold
H 29 in W 47 in D 18 in
Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann Viennese Secessionist 'Fledermaus' Bench in White
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Astoria, NY
Viennese Secessionist 'Fledermaus' bench in white, originally designed in 1907 for the Viennese Fledermaus cabaret by Josef Hoffmann and manufactured by Wittmann. The piece is uphols...
Textile, Wood
Early Josef Hoffmann Purkersdorf Sanatorium Bench
By Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Triple-seated original bench from the Purkersdorf Sanatorium waiting area, upholstery renovated. Literature: Deutsche Kunst und Decoration, 1906, II, p 460, p 436, catalogue: design-...
Biach Settee by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This settee which Hoffman designed in 1916 for the Biach Villa, shows influence from his own Fledermaus furniture which was made a decade earlier....
Suede, Wood
A Fledermaus Settee by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Austin, TX
A period Vienna Secession bentwood settee designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1905, and manufactured by Thonet in 1910. The bentwood constructio...
Ash, Upholstery