VIENNA.- ‘Progress through beauty’ is a principle that definitely applies to the works of universal genius Josef Hoffmann. It is also the subtitle of the exhibition opening in December 2021 at the MAK on the occasion of this architect and designer’s 150th birthday. Dorotheum’s Art Nouveau auction on 7 December 2020 will focus on works by this exceptional artist.

A vase in a wooden frame offered for the Bakalowits company in 1899 is an excellent example of Hoffmann’s appreciation of Japanese art, its simplicity and elegance. Its influence grew in Vienna at a time when the notion was spreading that the purpose of art is not only to reflect status ‘à la Ringstrasse’, or to end up in museums, but that it also serves to shape public and private life. This philosophy, it was believed, was realised in the Japanese home, and experience by its inhabitants, as a kind of Gesamtkunstwerk (vase in wooden support, 1899, estimate € 15,000 - 25,000).

Hoffmann’s most famous building is undoubtedly the Palais Stoclet in Brussels, which epitomises his vision of a Gesamtkunstwerk. Blueprints of various preliminary projects for this building can now be purchased at the auction, such as the front view with balcony, and main views of the tower and staircase windows (€ 9,000 - 15,000).

The auction will offer further outstanding objects designed by Josef Hoffman, including a six-piece WW tea set (€ 25,000 - 40,000), a writing set (€ 14,000 - 24,000), a unique silver brooch (€ 20,000 - 30,000) and a tray (€ 17,000 - 25,000).

The sale comprises ceramics by Michael Powolny (‘Winter’ putto, ‘Papageno’) and one of the much sought-after Art Déco dancers by Demétre Chiparus, the bronze ‘Bayadère’ (€ 28,000 - 40,000). Works executed in silver by the Wiener Werkstätte, French glass by Daum and Gallé, vases by Johann Lötz Witwe Klostermühle and a bronze table lamp by Gustav Gurschner are also among the top lots of the auction