There are many significant movements that defined the turn of the century, but the Vienna Secession was certainly one of the most prolific. It arose out of the artists' rebellion who were keen to challenge conventional perceptions of what art is and what art should be with relevance to society. Unified by a shared dream, this collective of artists, architects and designers pioneered new ideas by incorporating diverse styles and paved up a route for the coming wave of Modernism in general.

To better understand the Vienna Secession, it is important to understand the history of the end of the nineteenth century or Fin de siècle, which was a very exciting time period. This was characterized by imperial domination, the birth of modern nation-states, remarkable scientific advances, and rapid industrialization. Nevertheless, a certain paradox was lingering, and the general perception is that degeneration preceded the last decades of the 1900s and coloured with anticipation of a new dawn. (Takac, 2018)

The topic of the Vienna Secession has been somewhat neglected by art historians because of its perceived absence of a coherent curriculum yet it was exactly its pluralist approach to the arts that made the group exceptional. Since the beginning the Vienna Secession put together Naturalists, Modernists, Impressionists and cross-pollinated from all styles, creating a complete piece of art; a Gesamkunstwerk.

The Secession drew inspiration from William Morris and the English Arts and Crafts movement that aimed to re-unite the fine and applied arts in this way. Like Morris, the Secessionists snubbed production techniques of the nineteenth century and favored quality handmade items, believing that a return to handicraft could save society from the moral decline caused by industrialization. (Rosenman, 2017)

Like Art Nouveau, the Secession was also heavily influenced by Japanese art and architecture, first brought to Vienna in 1873 when the city hosted its first world fair-the first to be held anywhere other than London or Paris. Japanese artistic influence in the work of the Secessionists can be easily identified. For certain instances, such as the 1900 advertisement for the 6th Secession exhibition, Japanese prints were practically stolen as the image appeared on a vertical poster that was excessively elongated. The whole series had been dedicated to Japanese art. (Clericuzio, 2017)

One artist who was well known especially during the Viennese Secession was Gustav Klimt.

Figure 1 The Kiss, 1907 by Gustav Klimt Retrieved from https://www.gustav-klimt.com/The-Kiss.jsp

The Kiss is Klimt's most famous work, and tourists flock to see it in the Austrian Gallery of Vienna each year. The strong presence resounds from the wall at a stunning 72 in x 72 in (180 cm x 180 cm), as the gold-wrapped life-size figures embrace. In 1903, Klimt travelled to Ravenna twice, where he saw San Vitale's mosaics, whose Byzantine influence was noticeable in the paintings of what would become known as his "Golden Period."

Gold usage has harked back to Klimt's own history, to the metal work of his father and younger brother Ernst, both of whom had died a decade ago. Klimt 's interest in the Byzantine era also signified a step toward greater stability, through fixed, inorganic forms; indicating a quest for salvation following the artist's discovery of the ancient Greek instinctual forces. All figures are fully realized and combined in symbolic fashion as they enter the golden gulf of heaven. The dominant male force is symbolized by the powerful coat of grey and black muscular blocks, softened by the organic feminine scrolling, reminiscent of the "Tree of Life." Female strength, by contrast, is seen as spinning circles of bright floral motifs and upward-flowing wavy lines. (www.Gustav-Klimt.com, 2011)

Figure 2 Gothic G’stettn (Corona Srecession session Dengvid-20)" Retrieved from https://www.boesendorfer.com/en/news/zeitgenoessische-kunst-boesendorfer-in-der-secession-in-wien

Boesendorfer, 2020. Collector's Item Secession at Vienna Secession. [Online]
Available at: https://www.boesendorfer.com/en/news/zeitgenoessische-kunst-boesendorfer-in-der-secession-in-wien
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Clericuzio, P., 2017. The Vienna Secession Movement Overview and Analysis. [Online]
Available at: https://www.theartstory.org/movement/vienna-secession/history-and-concepts/
[Accessed 13 08 2020].

Rosenman, R., 2017. The Vienna Secession: A History. [Online]
Available at: https://www.theviennasecession.com/vienna-secession/
[Accessed 12 08 2020].

Takac, B., 2018. The Philosophy and Aesthetic of the Vienna Secession Movement. [Online]
Available at: https://www.widewalls.ch/magazine/vienna-secession
[Accessed 12 08 2020].

www.Gustav-Klimt.com, 2011. Gustav Klimt Paintings, Biography, and Quotes. [Online]
Available at: https://www.gustav-klimt.com/The-Kiss.jsp
[Accessed 13 08 2020].