Vienna Secession 1898-1998: The Century of Artistic Freedom

Through colour reproductions and a wealth of previously unpublished material this book is a kaleidoscope documenting 130 exhibitions held over the last 100 years in the Vienna Secession, from the beginning of the Modern Movement to the art scene of our own time. After a group of dissident Viennese artists seceded from the established artists guild, they inaugurated their own exhibition space, the "Vienna Secession" in 1898. In 1902, Gustav Klimt painted the famous Beethoven Frieze for an exhibition, in the centre of which stood Max Klinger's monumental sculpture of Beethoven. Today, the Art Nouveau building by Joseph Maria Olbrich, with its striking golden dome of filigree laurel leaves and Klimt's spell-binding cycle of paintings, continues to captivate its visistors. Thanks to the many artists who exhibited during this time the development of international art can be traced. Documents from the archive testify to a unique history, marked by artist's intentions and their experience with collectors, critics and the public.