DOI Heft:
No. 71 (february 1899)
DOI Artikel:Schölermann, Wilhelm: Modern fine and applied art in Vienna
DOI Seite / Zitierlink: https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.19231#0042
A rt in
Vienna
even a more remote style, accurately and conscien-
tiously, or by inventing something new altogether.
The first way is the right one for average talents;
the second is for the genius. Inaccurate and care-
less copying is, at any rate, prejudicial to art and
to the fundamental principle of style. These are
the chief points of view that have prompted Mr.
von Scala in the attempt he has made to bring
about a wholesome change in the art industries of
Vienna. " Copy a good thing, and copy it well, or
else keep your hands from it altogether." That is
his maxim. When this has been done it will be time
to consider whether there is strength and independ-
ence enough in the home industry and in the spirit
of the Austrian public, to fit the foreign style to local
requirements, tastes, and national likings and pre-
judices. If this is the case, I can see no harm in
the action of Mr. von Scala. On the contrary,
hearty congratulations are due to him for his good
taste and judgment, and, in my opinion, British
furniture should be not only heartily welcomed but
carefully studied.
The Austrian Government, in proper apprecia-
HH
SCREEN DESIGNED BY J. HOFMANN
EXECUTED BY A, FORSTER
. 32
DOOR-KNOCKER BY GUSTAV GURSCHNER
tion of the modern movement, has recently given
its official sanction to the steps taken by the
director of the museum by publishing a new
statute, which contains in its first paragraph the
words : "To follow up and keep pace with the pro-
gress and development of taste in the fine and applied
arts, which lead to new styles and fresh discoveries
in all directions." This new statute, therefore, may
rightly be regarded as the victory of the " Scala
party " over the " Reactionaries," or, in other words,
the triumph of the principles of progress over those
of stagnation, or worse, in Austria.
Space will not permit of my entering into details
of the exhibition. There are altogether upwards
of 150 exhibits in the Museum ; including originals
and copies of Sheraton and Chippendale and
originals belonging to the Earl of Sackville,
Sir Edmund Hope Verney, Lord Middleton,
*
Vienna
even a more remote style, accurately and conscien-
tiously, or by inventing something new altogether.
The first way is the right one for average talents;
the second is for the genius. Inaccurate and care-
less copying is, at any rate, prejudicial to art and
to the fundamental principle of style. These are
the chief points of view that have prompted Mr.
von Scala in the attempt he has made to bring
about a wholesome change in the art industries of
Vienna. " Copy a good thing, and copy it well, or
else keep your hands from it altogether." That is
his maxim. When this has been done it will be time
to consider whether there is strength and independ-
ence enough in the home industry and in the spirit
of the Austrian public, to fit the foreign style to local
requirements, tastes, and national likings and pre-
judices. If this is the case, I can see no harm in
the action of Mr. von Scala. On the contrary,
hearty congratulations are due to him for his good
taste and judgment, and, in my opinion, British
furniture should be not only heartily welcomed but
carefully studied.
The Austrian Government, in proper apprecia-
HH
SCREEN DESIGNED BY J. HOFMANN
EXECUTED BY A, FORSTER
. 32
DOOR-KNOCKER BY GUSTAV GURSCHNER
tion of the modern movement, has recently given
its official sanction to the steps taken by the
director of the museum by publishing a new
statute, which contains in its first paragraph the
words : "To follow up and keep pace with the pro-
gress and development of taste in the fine and applied
arts, which lead to new styles and fresh discoveries
in all directions." This new statute, therefore, may
rightly be regarded as the victory of the " Scala
party " over the " Reactionaries," or, in other words,
the triumph of the principles of progress over those
of stagnation, or worse, in Austria.
Space will not permit of my entering into details
of the exhibition. There are altogether upwards
of 150 exhibits in the Museum ; including originals
and copies of Sheraton and Chippendale and
originals belonging to the Earl of Sackville,
Sir Edmund Hope Verney, Lord Middleton,
*