The artwork you inquired about is a poster designed by Egon Schiele for the 49th Exhibition of the Vienna Secession, titled “Die Freunde,” which dates back to 1918. The piece, an example of lithography on paper, is reflective of the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. It measures approximately 63.5 cm in height and 48 cm in width, and currently, it resides at the Fitzwilliam Museum, which is part of the University of Cambridge, located in Cambridge, UK.
The artwork serves as an advertisement and exhibits key characteristics of the Art Nouveau style, notable for its focus on aesthetic beauty and decorative elements. It features a vivid composition where a group of individuals is gathered around a table. The figures are rendered with distinct outlines and a limited color palette, primarily comprised of orange, black, and white tones.
Foregrounded in the design is a table where individuals are seated, some appearing to be engaged in the act of reading or reviewing documents, suggesting a gathering of intellectuals or artists, which is in alignment with the spirit of the Vienna Secession, known for its promotion of artistic freedom and innovation. The table itself displays asymmetry in its depiction, aligning with the Art Nouveau movement’s departure from strict geometric forms.
Below the graphical element, the word “SECESSION” is prominently displayed in large, bold typeface, accompanied by the exhibition information “49 AUSSTELLUNG” followed by the dates “9-6,” signaling the duration of the event. The typography on the poster exudes a sense of grandeur and urgency, beckoning viewers to pay attention to the event it is promoting.
The integration of text and image in this lithograph is a hallmark of Schiele’s design approach during this period, making this poster not merely an announcement but a work of art in its own right, one that encapsulates the essence of the Secessionist movement’s quest to break from traditional norms and embrace a new, modern aesthetic.
