The publication describes and illustrates the originality of a language, which can be perceived right from the first issues of the legendary official magazine of the Vienna Secession, structured in the form of programme manifestoes and destined to be a foundation of modernity. The goal of Ver Sacrum was to give life to total works of art, the so-called Gesamtkunstwerk. That is why each issue was supposed to be an artwork in and of itself, a perfect representation of Secessionist ideals. The covers represented a really extraordinary summary.
The title Ver Sacrum alludes to the sacred Spring of ancient Latin people, pointing to a rite of renewal through younger generations and new settlements.
It was a totally original publication and was able to elaborate new forms of design, illustration and printing/editorial composition: the influence of its innovation represents a cornerstone of Western art’s modernity. During the 6 years of its publication, 471 drawings, 55 lithographs and copper engravings, and 216 wood engravings were expressly made for the magazine.
Conceived by Gustav Klimt, Max Kurzweil and Ludwig Hevesi, the illustrated magazine was established in 1898 and had a periodical print run until 1903, offering its readers not only important contributions on literature, music and contemporary arts but also a rich collection of engravings and decorative inventions by Secession masters.
Valerio Terraroli teaches Museology and History of Artistic Literature and Art Criticism at the Università di Verona; he has also authored numerous essays and publications on art and decorative arts related to the Secession, Art Nouveau and Art Deco.
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