The Viennese Secession or Total Art

What is the Viennese secession so dear to Lalou?


The Vienna Secession (Wiener Secession or Sezessionstil in German) is a major artistic movement that flourished in Vienna, Austria, between 1897 and 1910. It is part of the broader Art Nouveau movement (or Jugendstil in Germany), but with its own specific characteristics.

The main objective was to break away from the dominant artistic conservatism and to create a "total art" integrating painting, architecture, and the decorative arts. As stated in the motto inscribed on the building of the Secession: "To each age its art, to each art its freedom."

In what historical context was this movement created?


The late 19th century Vienne was a major cultural center but also a place of political tensions. The Secession artists revolted against the academicism and conservatism of the Künstlerhaus (House of Artists).

European Art Nouveau (France, Belgium, Scotland), the English Arts & Crafts movement, Japanese prints, and symbolism influenced the Secession.



And what does he advocate?

Create modern and authentic art, breaking away from the past and promoting a total art that unifies the different artistic disciplines.

Establish an international exchange of ideas, fight against nationalism, and integrate art into everyday life. 



"Art at the center of social life and no longer just a secondary decorative element."

The Viennese secession in a few names: 


Gustav Klimt : Iconic figure and first president of the Secession. His works (paintings, frescoes) explore themes such as femininity, eroticism, mythology, and psychoanalysis.


Josef Hoffmann : Architect and designer. He founded the Wiener Werkstätte (Vienna Workshops) to promote the applied arts. His style is characterized by geometric shapes and refined ornamentation.


Josef Maria Olbrich: Architect, notably of the Secession building, which is a manifesto of the movement.


Koloman Moser : Versatile artist (painter, designer, set designer). Co-founder of the Secession and the Wiener Werkstätte.


Otto Wagner: Influential Viennese architect and urban planner. His achievements (subway stations, buildings) testify to the influence of the Secession.

What is the "Viennese Secession" style?

The style of the Vienna Secession is characterized by organic forms and the representation of themes such as fish, birds, and vegetation, stylized floral compositions, an abundance of curves, a strong relationship between text and image, as well as an absence of perspective and, with it, an absence of time.

Some emblematic works of the "Secession."

Secession Building: Designed by Josef Maria Olbrich, it houses exhibitions of modern art and the famous Beethoven Frieze by Gustav Klimt.

Beethoven Frieze: A monumental mural by Klimt, inspired by Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. It represents the quest for happiness and the struggle against the forces of evil.

Belvedere Museum: It houses an important collection of works by Klimt, including The Kiss and Judith I.

Wiener Werkstätte: Workshops created by Hoffmann and Moser, specialized in the production of high-quality art and design objects.

Stoclet Palace (Brussels): Considered a masterpiece of the Vienna Secession, designed by Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstätte.

Karlsplatz subway station: Designed by Otto Wagner.

In summary : 


The Vienna Secession was an innovative and influential artistic movement that transformed the cultural landscape of Vienna and Europe at the turn of the 20th century. 
She contributed to the emergence of Art Nouveau and influenced many subsequent artists and movements.

"She embodied an ideal of total art, an openness to modernity, and a desire to reconcile art and life. Her legacy continues to inspire artists and art lovers today."

Some additional links if the Viennese secession interests you: 

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A9cession_viennoise
https://www.beauxarts.com/grand-format/gustav-klimt-en-2-minutes/
https://www.connaissancedesarts.com/arts-expositions/klimt-et-la-secession-viennoise-le-printemps-des-arts-11142764/