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Art History II – Renaissance to Modern Era
Table of Contents
Unit 6 Overview: Symbolism and Art Nouveau
6.1 Symbolism
6.2 Art Nouveau
6.3 The Vienna Secession

The Vienna Secession, founded in 1897, marked a turning point in Austrian art. Breaking away from conservative traditions, artists like Gustav Klimt and Koloman Moser championed artistic freedom and innovation, embracing new styles and integrating art into everyday life.

This movement embodied the spirit of Art Nouveau, emphasizing organic forms and craftsmanship. The Secessionists' focus on unifying different art forms and their bold experimentation laid the groundwork for modernist movements, influencing the development of 20th-century art and design.

Formation of the Vienna Secession

Historical Context and Motivations

  • Vienna Secession founded in 1897 as breakaway movement from conservative Association of Austrian Artists
    • Reflected desire for artistic freedom and innovation
  • Emerged during late Habsburg Empire's "fin de siècle" period
    • Time of cultural and intellectual ferment in Vienna
  • Motto "To every age its art, to art its freedom" encapsulated rejection of historicism and academic art
    • Favored new, modern forms of expression
  • Political and social changes in Austria fostered Secession's formation
    • Rise of liberalism
    • Growing influence of middle class
  • Inspired by international Art Nouveau trends
    • Sought to integrate art into everyday life
    • Aimed to break down barriers between fine and applied arts
  • Secessionists pursued creation of total work of art (Gesamtkunstwerk)
    • Encompassed painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts
    • Unified aesthetic vision across multiple disciplines

Influences and Inspirations

  • Drew inspiration from symbolist movement in France and Belgium
    • Incorporated mystical and allegorical themes
  • Influenced by English Arts and Crafts movement
    • Emphasized high-quality craftsmanship and design in everyday objects
  • Responded to rapid industrialization and urbanization of Vienna
    • Sought to humanize modern life through art and design
  • Embraced ideas of Gesamtkunstwerk from Richard Wagner's operas
    • Applied concept to visual arts and architecture

Artistic Innovations of the Vienna Secession

Stylistic Characteristics

  • Embraced diverse range of styles
    • Symbolism
    • Naturalism
    • Early forms of expressionism and abstraction
  • Incorporated common decorative elements
    • Floral and organic motifs (sunflowers, vines)
    • Sinuous lines
    • Elaborate patterns
  • Employed flattened perspective
    • Emphasized two-dimensional surface decoration
    • Rejected traditional illusionistic techniques
  • Utilized gold leaf and intricate ornamentation
    • Became hallmark of many Secession works (Klimt's "The Tree of Life")
  • Introduced geometric forms and simplified shapes
    • Anticipated development of modernist abstraction
    • Evident in later works like Josef Hoffmann's furniture designs

Innovative Approaches

  • Integrated text and image in posters and graphic design
    • Influenced development of modern visual communication
    • Examples include Koloman Moser's posters for Secession exhibitions
  • Experimented with new materials and techniques in applied arts
    • Metalwork (Josef Hoffmann's silverware designs)
    • Furniture design (Moser's bentwood chairs)
    • Architectural elements (Otto Wagner's Majolica House façade)
  • Explored new printing techniques
    • Developed innovative color lithography methods
    • Created high-quality art reproductions in Ver Sacrum journal
  • Emphasized craftsmanship in industrial production
    • Sought to elevate everyday objects to works of art
    • Influenced later Bauhaus principles

Key Figures of the Vienna Secession

Gustav Klimt

  • Founding member and first president of the Secession
  • Known for opulent, symbolist paintings
    • Combined realistic elements with decorative patterns and gold leaf
  • "The Kiss" (1907-1908) exemplifies mature style
    • Intertwined figures adorned with elaborate geometric patterns
    • Extensive use of gold leaf
  • Other notable works
    • "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I" (1907)
    • "The Tree of Life" (1909)
  • Explored themes of sexuality, life, and death in his art
    • Challenged conservative Viennese society with provocative imagery

Egon Schiele

  • Protégé of Klimt, developed more expressionistic style
    • Characterized by angular, distorted figures
    • Conveyed raw emotional intensity
  • "Self-Portrait with Physalis" (1912) demonstrates his unique approach
    • Distorted body proportions
    • Intense, penetrating gaze
  • Challenged social norms with provocative depictions of human body
    • Expanded boundaries of figurative art in early 20th century
  • Other significant works
    • "The Family" (1918)
    • "Death and the Maiden" (1915-16)

Koloman Moser

  • Versatile artist and designer
    • Created works across multiple media
    • Embodied Secession's ideal of integrating art and life
  • Design for Purkersdorf Sanatorium (1903) demonstrates move towards geometric simplification
    • Functional modernism in architecture and interior design
  • Co-founded Wiener Werkstätte with Josef Hoffmann in 1903
    • Applied Secession principles to design and production of everyday objects
  • Notable works
    • Stained glass windows for Otto Wagner's Steinhof Church (1907)
    • Postage stamp designs for Austrian postal service

Impact of the Vienna Secession on Modernism

Influence on Art and Design

  • Introduced modernist ideas to Austrian art and design
    • Paved way for later avant-garde movements (Expressionism, Bauhaus)
  • Emphasized integration of art and life
    • Influenced development of modernist design principles
    • Particularly evident in architecture and applied arts
  • Innovative graphic design and typography had lasting impact
    • Shaped visual communication and advertising throughout Europe
    • Influenced development of modernist poster design (Lucian Bernhard)
  • Break from academic traditions inspired other artist groups
    • Encouraged challenging of established artistic conventions across Europe
    • Influenced formation of groups like German Werkbund

Legacy and Continuing Influence

  • Wiener Werkstätte extended Secession's principles into design and craftsmanship
    • Influenced development of modernist design internationally
    • Impacted Art Deco movement in 1920s and 1930s
  • Exploration of symbolism and psychological themes anticipated Expressionism
    • Influenced development of movement in Austria and Germany
    • Impacted works of artists like Oskar Kokoschka and Max Beckmann
  • Emphasis on individual artistic expression contributed to pluralistic nature of early 20th-century modernism
    • Encouraged diversity of styles and approaches
    • Influenced development of abstract art (Wassily Kandinsky)
  • Secession's integration of architecture and visual arts
    • Influenced development of Bauhaus school's interdisciplinary approach
    • Impacted works of architects like Adolf Loos and Josef Frank

Key Terms to Review (19)

Symbolism: Symbolism is a movement in art and literature that emphasizes the use of symbols to express ideas, emotions, and states of being. It focuses on the representation of abstract concepts through tangible images or figures, allowing for deeper meaning and interpretation beyond the literal. This approach became especially prominent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, influencing various artistic styles and movements that sought to evoke feelings and thoughts through suggestive imagery rather than direct representation.
Decorative arts: Decorative arts refers to the art forms that focus on the design and decoration of functional objects, blending aesthetics with practicality. These include crafts like ceramics, furniture, textiles, and glassware that enhance everyday life while also showcasing artistic creativity. The decorative arts emphasize beauty and skill in craftsmanship, often reflecting cultural influences and social trends through their design elements.
Ornamentation: Ornamentation refers to the decorative elements that enhance the visual appeal of an artwork or architectural design, often adding complexity and richness to the overall composition. In various artistic movements, ornamentation plays a crucial role in defining styles, conveying emotions, and showcasing the craftsmanship involved. Its application can transform simple forms into elaborate designs, reflecting the cultural and historical contexts of the time.
Abstract forms: Abstract forms refer to shapes, colors, and patterns that do not represent real-world objects or figures but instead focus on the essence and emotional impact of the artwork. This approach encourages viewers to engage with the art on a personal level, eliciting feelings and interpretations based solely on visual elements rather than recognizable subjects. In the context of the Vienna Secession, abstract forms became essential as artists sought to break free from traditional artistic conventions, emphasizing individual expression and innovative design.
Oil on canvas: Oil on canvas is a painting technique where artists apply oil-based paints onto a woven fabric canvas. This method became popular during the Renaissance and allowed for greater flexibility, vibrant colors, and a range of textures in artworks. It is especially significant in the context of movements like the Vienna Secession, where artists explored new ways of expression and pushed the boundaries of traditional art forms.
Gold leaf: Gold leaf is a thin sheet of gold that has been hammered or rolled into a fine layer, often used in art and decoration to provide a luxurious and radiant finish. This technique has been employed for centuries, particularly during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, to enhance the visual impact of artworks, architecture, and religious artifacts. The application of gold leaf not only adds a striking aesthetic quality but also symbolizes wealth, divinity, and prestige.
Austrian Modernism: Austrian Modernism refers to a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in Austria during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break from traditional forms and the embrace of new ideas and techniques in art, architecture, and design. This movement was significantly influenced by the socio-political changes of the time, fostering innovative expressions that sought to reflect contemporary life and thought.
Josef Hoffmann: Josef Hoffmann was an influential Austrian architect and designer, best known for his role in the Vienna Secession movement and his contributions to modern design. He was a founding member of the Wiener Werkstätte, which aimed to combine art and craft in the production of functional and aesthetically pleasing objects. Hoffmann's work emphasized geometric forms, innovative materials, and a harmonious integration of architecture and interior design.
Otto Wagner: Otto Wagner was a prominent Austrian architect and urban planner known for his significant contributions to the Vienna Secession movement. He played a crucial role in shaping modern architecture by advocating for a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, pushing against traditional design norms. His work emphasized the importance of new materials and construction techniques, which ultimately transformed architectural practices in Vienna and beyond.
Ver sacrum: Ver sacrum, meaning 'sacred spring' in Latin, refers to a cultural movement associated with the Vienna Secession that emphasized a return to nature and the importance of organic forms in art and design. This idea symbolized a rebirth of creativity, drawing inspiration from the natural world as a way to escape the constraints of traditional artistic practices. It also embodied a spirit of innovation, encouraging artists to embrace new materials and techniques.
Secession Manifesto: The Secession Manifesto was a formal declaration issued by a group of artists in Vienna in 1897 who sought to break away from the traditional art institutions and promote a new vision of art and design. This manifesto marked the founding moment of the Vienna Secession, emphasizing the need for artistic freedom, innovative expression, and a rejection of academic constraints that dominated the art scene of the time.
Secession Building: Secession Building refers to a pivotal architectural structure associated with the Vienna Secession movement, which emerged in the late 19th century as a response to the conservative art establishment in Austria. This building is not only a physical space but also a symbol of artistic independence, representing a break from traditional art forms and the embrace of modernity. Its design showcases innovative ideas and the integration of various artistic disciplines, embodying the spirit of secessionist artists who sought to create a new visual language that reflected contemporary life and ideals.
Egon Schiele: Egon Schiele was an Austrian painter known for his raw and expressive style that emerged during the early 20th century. His works often depicted themes of sexuality, death, and the human condition, embodying the spirit of Expressionism. Schiele's bold lines and distorted forms set him apart as a significant figure in the Vienna Secession movement and contributed to the development of modern art in Austria.
Gesamtkunstwerk: Gesamtkunstwerk, or 'total work of art,' refers to a concept in which multiple art forms are combined to create a cohesive and immersive experience for the audience. This idea promotes the integration of various artistic disciplines—like painting, architecture, music, and theater—into a single unified artwork. This concept is crucial for understanding movements and styles that aimed to break down barriers between different forms of art, enhancing emotional impact and viewer engagement.
Vienna Secession: The Vienna Secession was an artistic movement that emerged in Vienna in 1897 as a reaction against traditional academic art and the conservative art establishment. It aimed to promote new artistic ideas and forms, emphasizing individuality and innovative expression, which would later influence the development of modern art, particularly Expressionism in Austria.
Beethoven Frieze: The Beethoven Frieze is a monumental artwork created by Gustav Klimt in 1902, designed as a response to the music of Ludwig van Beethoven. This frieze, located in the Secession Building in Vienna, embodies themes of human emotion, struggle, and aspiration, connecting visual art with music and philosophy. It represents a celebration of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, particularly its choral finale that promotes unity and joy among humanity.
Koloman Moser: Koloman Moser was an influential Austrian painter, graphic designer, and architect associated with the Vienna Secession movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for his diverse artistic talents, Moser played a key role in shaping the visual language of the movement, contributing to its focus on innovative design and aesthetics that rejected traditional norms.
Art nouveau: Art Nouveau is a decorative arts movement that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by its organic forms, intricate linear designs, and a focus on craftsmanship. This style sought to break away from traditional art forms and embraced modernity, often incorporating motifs inspired by nature. The movement's emphasis on harmonious designs and the integration of art into everyday life connected it deeply with various artistic movements, including those in architecture and graphic design.
Gustav klimt: Gustav Klimt was an Austrian symbolist painter known for his distinctive style that combined eroticism, symbolism, and decorative elements. His work is characterized by the use of gold leaf, intricate patterns, and sensual themes, reflecting the influences of Symbolism and Art Nouveau. Klimt was a key figure in the Vienna Secession movement, which sought to challenge traditional artistic conventions and embrace new ideas in art and design.