Josef HOFFMANN (designer), WIENER WERKSTÄTTE, Vienna (commissioning workshop), J. SOULEK, Vienna (manufacturer)
Work table, from the Gallia apartment boudoir
(c. 1912)
Medium
painted wood, gilt, brass, (other materials)
Measurements
75.3 × 45.5 × 35.0 cm (closed)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Samuel E. Wills Bequest, 1976
© Estate of Josef Hoffmann
Gallery location
Mid 20th Century Paintings & Decorative Arts Gallery
Level 2, NGV International
About this work
This work table created for the boudoir of Hermine Gallia epitomises the philosophy of design pursued by Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstätte. The work table presents a clean, modern appearance, its smooth, white-painted surfaces highlighted by flat carved and gilded, stylised floral motifs owing nothing to the dark, carved, historical-revival furniture which remained fashionable amongst Vienna’s traditional elites at the time. But whilst the table’s appearance may be self-consciously modern, the table’s function speaks of a very traditional social milieu, with women occupied by traditional activities, needlework, in the home.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Vienna, Austria
Accession Number
D155-1976
Department
International Decorative Arts
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Digitisation Champion Ms Carol Grigor through Metal Manufactures Limited
Physical description
Rectangular top, dependent work bag enclosed by two flaps, decorated frieze, four tapering legs.