Josef Hoffman - Three-part screen

Date	1903
Period	Early 20th century
Dimensions	139 x 50 x 3.5 cm (54³/₄ x 19⁵/₈ x 1³/₈ inches)
Gallery	Bel Etage, Wolfgang Bauer, Vienna

Description
Technical

Design of screen and fabric: Josef Hoffmann, around 1903

Executed by: Wiener Werkstätte, fabric by Josef Backhausen und Söhne, Vienna

Solid oak, limed, nickel plated fittings, some woodworm holes in wood, panels with fabric covering, original fabric, slightly cleaned, small retouches, excellent original condition.

H 139 cm, W 50 cm, D 3.5 cm

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.

Date: 1903
Period: Early 20th century
Dimensions: 139 x 50 x 3.5 cm (54³/₄ x 19⁵/₈ x 1³/₈ inches)
Provenance:

private collection, Austria

Literature: ArchiveJosef Backhausen und Söhne, Smyrna Dess. no. 4544 from 1902; Das Interieur, 1903, vol. IV, illus. p. 167 (fabric pattern, carpet pattern)