A Thousand Ravens

Koloman Moser (1868-1918) was an Austrian designer, painter and architect who was a founding member of the Vienna Secession movement. He was also known as the “Master of Viennese Modernism” due to his pioneering contributions to the Vienna Secession style. His works spanned a variety of genres including furniture, textiles, stained glass, jewelry and even architectural designs. Moser’s influence on the Vienna Secession movement was immense, and he was a major contributor to the development of modern design aesthetics. His use of color, shape and line broke away from the traditional, heavily ornamented designs of the past. Moser’s designs were innovative, revolutionary and highly influential in the world of modern design. His works are still highly sought after and appreciated today, and are seen as a benchmark of modern design.

In 1900, Martin Gerlach, an engraver and photographer, teamed up with Koloman Moser to create “Die Quelle”, a 3-volume portfolio dedicated to surface decoration. Moser’s graphic design skills are showcased in this portfolio, with the 30 plates demonstrating a flawless combination of type-design and ornamentation. Moser was already interested in Japanese textile designs as early as 1898 and had collaborated with the Backhausen & Söhne textile company, which eventually produced Vienna Secession and Wiener Werkstätte (Vienna Workshop) designs.

Moser’s transition away from his flower and plant patterns, typical of Art Nouveau, is evident in this designs. In a few short years, he would almost fully abandon the flowing shapes of Art Nouveau seen in “Die Quelle” in favour of the square, which became the primary focus of the Wiener Werkstätte (Vienna Workshop).

Art Print only

• museum-quality poster made on thick and long-lasting matte (uncoated) print
• paper weight: 200 gsm / 80 lb
• every print ships ready to frame