Art Nouveau Bookcase by Julius & Josef Herrmann

Details

Description

Item: bookcase (part of a study for architect maximilian rossipaul)
design & construction: julius & josef herrmann (vienna, 1911)
dimensions … Read more Item: bookcase (part of a study for architect maximilian rossipaul)
design & construction: julius & josef herrmann (vienna, 1911)
dimensions in cm (h x w x d): 176 × 160 × 40
material: softwood, mahogany veneer, polished glass, brass
condition: professionally restored
provenance: architect maximilian rossipaul (1040 vienna)
bibliography: copy of the original invoice to architect maximilian rossipaul (1911), art nouveau furniture—vera j. Behal—collection of the austrian museum of applied arts, p. 59

additional information:
this bookcase was created in 1911 as part of a comprehensively designed study for architect maximilian rossipaul. A surviving copy of the original invoice clearly documents its production by the viennese art furniture workshop of julius and josef herrmann, one of the most significant workshops associated with viennese modernism around 1900. The key belonging to the piece is also marked, underscoring the ensemble’s complete authenticity.

in addition to the bookcase, our collection also includes two club armchairs from rossipaul’s study, which was originally designed as a unified whole, offering a rare glimpse into a nearly completely preserved interior of that era. The accompanying desk and desk chair have already been sold.

the design concept of this piece exemplifies the developments that took place within the circle of prof. Josef hoffmann and the wiener werkstätte at the beginning of the 20th century. Characteristic of this style is the combination of functional requirements, clear formal discipline, and the highest level of craftsmanship, with materials and construction deliberately highlighted.

the julius and josef herrmann art furniture workshop played a central role in this context. As one of the leading viennese workshops of its time, it was instrumental in bringing to life numerous designs by prominent architects and designers. Among its clients were otto prutscher and carl witzmann, both students of josef hoffmann, with whom the workshop maintained a close working relationship, particularly after 1908. As early as around 1900, the firm also distinguished itself through its active participation in exhibitions: for example, it was represented at the 1900–01 winter exhibition with a bedroom based on designs by s. Tropsch, and in 1901–02 with a tea room designed by otto prutscher; a dining room design presented as part of a competition organized by arthur von scala was subsequently sold to london (see om archive, no. 132/1902). The workshop’s continuous participation in exhibitions at the austrian museum of art and industry until around 1930 attests to its enduring recognition.

the bookcase should therefore be understood as part of a significant ensemble that has survived largely intact and represents a high-quality example of the close collaboration between architects and specialized cabinetmakers in vienna around 1910.

for logistical reasons, the photographic representation was created digitally. This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less