JOSEF HOFFMANN
| About the artist | Brtnice 1870 – 1956 Vienna |
| Designed by | of screen and fabric: Josef Hoffmann, around 1903 |
| Executed by | Wiener Werkstätte, fabric by Josef Backhausen und Söhne, Vienna |
| Dimensions | H 139 cm, W 50 cm, D 3.5 cm |
| Material | Solid oak, limed, nickel plated fittings, some woodworm holes in wood, panels with fabric covering, original fabric, slightly cleaned, small retouches, excellent original condition |
| Provenance | private collection, Austria |
| Literature | Archive Josef Backhausen und Söhne, Smyrna Dess. no. 4544 from 1902; Das Interieur, 1903, vol. IV, illus. p. 167 (fabric pattern, carpet pattern) |
This screen is a significant example of the reduced, clear architectural lines that were a hallmark of Josef Hoffmann‘s oeuvre from 1902 onwards. Hoffmann used this fabric pattern – often referred to in the trades as the "beehive pattern" – for numerous carpets in different variations. As a fabric, however, it was always produced according to exactly this design in different colourways. The archives of the Backhausen company have numerous carpet designs for this pattern.
We would like to thank Peter Backhausen for his kind advice and for providing us with the documentation.
M28/22
