Café Heinrichhof 1912

Moriz Jung made this postcard of the Café Heinrichhof using a technique called woodcut, a relief printing process where an image is carved into a block of wood. The remaining surface is inked and then pressed onto paper. The material qualities of wood lend a distinctive graphic style. Look closely, and you'll see how Jung used clean, precise cuts to render the architectural details and the fashionable clientele. The texture of the wood subtly appears in the print, adding depth and character. This process, while demanding skill, allowed for the relatively quick production of multiple copies. This postcard was produced by the Wiener Werkstätte, an association of artists and designers seeking to integrate art into everyday life. The Werkstätte aimed to elevate craft to the level of fine art, responding to the growing industrialization of the early 20th century. Consider it a rejection of mass production, and an embrace of handmade quality. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we gain a richer understanding of the print's significance, challenging traditional hierarchies between art and craft.