Exhibition
Viennese Silver: Modern Design, 1780-1918
Oct 17, 2003 — Feb 16, 2004
Presenting more than 180 extraordinary objects of daily use.
Josef Hoffmann
(1870-1956)
Mustard Pot, 1902
Silver, glass (finial), glass inset
Asenbaum Collection
© 2003 Asenbaum
Josef Hoffmann
(1870-1956)
Mustard Pot, 1902
Silver, glass (finial), glass inset
Asenbaum Collection
© 2003 Asenbaum
This groundbreaking exhibition presents works that, through their refined functionalism and abstracted geometric form, anticipates the breakthroughs of modernism. On display are more than 180 extraordinary silver objects of daily use. Comparing early nineteenth-century works with examples of twentieth-century design, it offers a fascinating look at Vienna’s contribution to the development of modern decorative arts.
The exhibition begins with pieces commissioned by Hapsburg royalty and proceeds to trace the development of the Biedermeier and Wiener Werkstätte (Vienna Workshops) traditions. It concludes with objects by Josef Hoffmann and Koloman Moser, who brought Viennese silver making to new aesthetic heights. "Viennese Silver: Modern Design, 1780-1918" is on view from October 17, 2003, to February 16, 2004.