The Viennese Secession

“We want art that is not a slave to foreign influences but at the same time is neither afraid nor hateful of them”
Hermann Bahr, Vienna

erotic biography Josephine Mutzenbacher (1905) which set a precedent when it was removed – despite controversial pornographic content – from the index of age-restricted works after a court ruling, deeming it “both pornography and art”.

Künstlerinnenverein (Association of Female Artists) that lasted from 1882 to 1967.

the interior they sought the same harmony that was apparent on the outside.

The majority of these architects did not feel diminished to also work as interior decorators.

silversmiths Graham and Augustus Tiffany

different styles usually developed with dependence on the monarchs; this new century wanted its own style

They were characterised by weariness from seeing the old forms and patterns repeated over and over again, from having to face the infinite imitation of furniture from the time of the French kings that all answered to the name of “Louis”, beginning with Louis XIII (1601-1643), followed by Louis XIV (1643-1715) to Louis XVI (1754-1793). They also were characterised by a general dismissal of the common shapes and pattern of the Gothic style and the Renaissance.

who called themselves “Viennese coffeehouse writers

Hermann Bahr, born 1863 in Linz, was a poet, outstanding essayist, influential art critic, and expert of contemporary literary movements from naturalism to expressionism, as well as one of the most important comedy authors of his time