Original secessionistic table by Prof. Josef Hoffmann & Joseph Maria Olbrich, Vienna, 1900

Details

Description

Object: small table
design: prof. Josef hoffmann & joseph maria olbrich (vienna, 1899/1900)
model number: -
manufacturer: portois & fix … Read more Object: small table
design: prof. Josef hoffmann & joseph maria olbrich (vienna, 1899/1900)
model number: -
manufacturer: portois & fix zug. (vienna, around 1900)
dimensions in cm (h x w x d): 70 x 56 x 56
material: solid maple (stained reddish brown & hand-polished with shellac), ebony inlay, white metal
condition: expertly restored (new tabletop)
provenance: salzburg
literature: ideen von olbrich, vienna, 1899 / ver sacrum, organ der vereinigung bildender künstler österreichs, 3rd year, 1900, p. 9, p. 15, p. 20, p. 23 / das interieur, vienna monthly journal for applied arts, 1st year, vienna 1900, p. 136

additional information:
this secessionist decorative table was created as a symbiosis of the 5th exhibition of the vienna secession and the paris world's fair in 1900 – a joint work by prof. Josef hoffmann and joseph maria olbrich.

the side panels of the table (one pull-out drawer, three drawer fronts), which are decorated with square motifs and delicate wavy lines, are based on a decorative motif by hoffmann, which he used as a wall molding in the central hall of the 5th exhibition of the vienna secession (cf. Ver sacrum, organ of the association of visual artists of austria, 3rd year, 1900, pp. 9/15/20/23).

the table body itself was designed by joseph maria olbrich; the accompanying design drawing appeared in ideen von olbrich, vienna 1899, p. 53 – a clear reference to its presentation at the 1900 paris world's fair.

the decorative table was most likely manufactured by the viennese art furniture maker portois & fix. This manufacturer is considered likely due to the characteristic white metal fittings found on all four sides of the table (one with a lock, three as trim). These fittings can also be found on a piece of "demountable furniture" designed by josef hoffmann for the viii exhibition of the vienna secession, which was produced by the cabinetmaker's workshop in 1901.

the close collaboration between hoffmann and olbrich – both founding members of the secession – was typical of the time; collaborations between leading architects were considered an expression of a shared artistic vision. I have official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs,
designer records,
or other literature sources and take full responsibility for any authenticity issues arising
from
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