The Wittgenstein vitrine: modern opulence in Vienna

Abstract

"In 2013 the Dallas Museum of Art acquired an exceptional silver vitrine originally owned by the Wittgenstein family of Vienna and designed by Carl Otto Czeschka of the Wiener Werkstätte. This masterpiece is one of the most important objects of the 20th century, marking the apogee of ornamental richness in Viennese Secessionist art and questioning the very direction of early modern design. Since its arrival in Dallas, the vitrine has been the subject of an intensive research and conservation program. This publication will explore the conservation effort and chart the context and history of this masterwork's design and fabrication, iconography, and provenance"--

Contents

Introduction / Elisabeth Schmuttermeier -- Modern Opulence in Vienna : The Wittgenstein Vitrine / Kevin W. Tucker -- A Look Inside : The Conservation Study and Treatment of the Wittgenstein Vitrine / Fran Baas.