Vienna Secession

The Vienna Secession, a movement that flourished at the turn of the 20th century, represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of applied and decorative arts. Eschewing the historicism of the time, its proponents, including Gustav Klimt and Josef Hoffmann, championed a philosophy of Gesamtkunstwerk or ‘total work of art’, seeking to unify the fine and applied arts into an all-encompassing design ethos. This led to innovative approaches in furniture, textile, and interior design, where the emphasis on linear contours, geometric and organic motifs, and a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics became emblematic of their works. The movement’s legacy is evident in the way it paved the road for modernism and left an indelible mark on the design principles of the 20th century, advocating for art’s integral role in everyday life and its potential to be both beautiful and utilitarian.