DOI Heft:
Division IV: Austria
DOI Artikel:Levetus, A. S.: Austrian architecture and decoration
DOI Seite / Zitierlink: https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.19999#0278
AUSTRIAN ARCHITECTURE AND
DECORATION. By A. S. Levetus.
THOUGH there have been no special exhibitions devoted
to the Arts and Crafts this past year, the modern move-
ment has made itself felt in the scenic decorations at the
opera houses and theatres, and in the fittings and decorations of the
shops and private houses; in fact, everywhere there is a general
desire for originality of design combined with utility, and intelli-
gent young architects trained at the Kunstgewerbeschule, Vienna,
and other schools in Austria, eager for the fray and the oppor-
tunity of showing what they can do, are constantly coming
forward. Combined with this, a true Vienna style is developing
itself, which, considering that the leaders include practical men
like Otto Wagner, Josef Hoffmann, and Koloman Moser, is a
thing not to be wondered at. And their influence is not confined
to the younger men.
The great charm of work produced by the modern school
lies in its simplicity, absence of any excess of ornamentation, fine
sense of proportion, and admirable colour schemes and decorative
effects. This applies, of course, only to the designs and their treat-
ment by the true artist. Naturally there is no lack of imitators,
who thereby show at once their approval and their flattery. But
these are in a " parlous state." Unfortunately, visitors to Vienna
who are not " in the know " have little opportunity of seeing real
Vienna art; and this is a thing to be deplored, for it is well worthy
of attention.
We are now in the midst of general activity, for every artist,
painter, sculptor, architect, and decorator is hard at work preparing
for the various exhibitions to be held during this the jubilee year,
and certainly not the least interesting will be that devoted to the
members of the Klimt Group. These exhibitions will afford ample
opportunity of seeing first-class modern decorative art, designed
by the leading artists and their followers and executed by the best
workmen. For artist and craftsmen work in co-operation, the latter
as eager to give what is best in them by intelligently carrying out
the ideas of the artist. Nor is this all: the younger generation is
being educated to appreciate progress of all kinds and to take a
general interest in art, and it is to these younger men that we must
look to support the artist in the future. Already it has begun
to be recognized that it is possible to have artistic homes at a not
too extravagant price, that it is but a question of the first outlay,
and that—and this should come first—the architect is indispensable,
the lessons he gives are invaluable.
Nearly all the illustrations here reproduced are of the work
xlv
DECORATION. By A. S. Levetus.
THOUGH there have been no special exhibitions devoted
to the Arts and Crafts this past year, the modern move-
ment has made itself felt in the scenic decorations at the
opera houses and theatres, and in the fittings and decorations of the
shops and private houses; in fact, everywhere there is a general
desire for originality of design combined with utility, and intelli-
gent young architects trained at the Kunstgewerbeschule, Vienna,
and other schools in Austria, eager for the fray and the oppor-
tunity of showing what they can do, are constantly coming
forward. Combined with this, a true Vienna style is developing
itself, which, considering that the leaders include practical men
like Otto Wagner, Josef Hoffmann, and Koloman Moser, is a
thing not to be wondered at. And their influence is not confined
to the younger men.
The great charm of work produced by the modern school
lies in its simplicity, absence of any excess of ornamentation, fine
sense of proportion, and admirable colour schemes and decorative
effects. This applies, of course, only to the designs and their treat-
ment by the true artist. Naturally there is no lack of imitators,
who thereby show at once their approval and their flattery. But
these are in a " parlous state." Unfortunately, visitors to Vienna
who are not " in the know " have little opportunity of seeing real
Vienna art; and this is a thing to be deplored, for it is well worthy
of attention.
We are now in the midst of general activity, for every artist,
painter, sculptor, architect, and decorator is hard at work preparing
for the various exhibitions to be held during this the jubilee year,
and certainly not the least interesting will be that devoted to the
members of the Klimt Group. These exhibitions will afford ample
opportunity of seeing first-class modern decorative art, designed
by the leading artists and their followers and executed by the best
workmen. For artist and craftsmen work in co-operation, the latter
as eager to give what is best in them by intelligently carrying out
the ideas of the artist. Nor is this all: the younger generation is
being educated to appreciate progress of all kinds and to take a
general interest in art, and it is to these younger men that we must
look to support the artist in the future. Already it has begun
to be recognized that it is possible to have artistic homes at a not
too extravagant price, that it is but a question of the first outlay,
and that—and this should come first—the architect is indispensable,
the lessons he gives are invaluable.
Nearly all the illustrations here reproduced are of the work
xlv