Early spring. Illustration to a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke. 1901

Koloman Moser created this illustration to a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke. Though untitled and undated, we can still see the tensions of early 20th century Vienna played out within it. As a prominent member of the Vienna Secession, Moser helped usher in a new era of art outside the traditional academic salons. The Secession’s goal was to break away from historicism and embrace modernism, opening the door to avant-garde movements. This print embodies these ideas in its use of stark contrasts, flat patterns, and stylized figures, departing from academic naturalism. The image itself—two women set against a dizzying backdrop—hints at the changing roles of women in society and the psychological complexities of modern life, themes often explored in the literature and art of the period. To fully appreciate this piece, consider the social and artistic debates of the time. Researching the Vienna Secession, the works of Rilke, and the broader cultural context of early 20th century Austria can deepen our understanding. Art is always rooted in its time.