Draft for the space of ​​the Austrian State Printing House on show in London 1906

This is Koloman Moser's draft for the space of ​​the Austrian State Printing House on show in London, made without a specified date using an unknown medium. Moser was a leading figure in the Vienna Secession, a movement that challenged the conservative artistic norms of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this draft, we see a design that hints at the era's socio-political tensions. Consider the role of the printing house itself. It was a site where information and propaganda were produced, shaping public opinion and influencing the social order. Moser’s design, with its blend of artistry and functionality, speaks to the Secession's broader goal of integrating art into everyday life. The inclusion of art within a functional space provokes questions about the relationship between aesthetics, labor, and power. While seemingly decorative, Moser's design invites us to reflect on the subtle ways in which art can both reinforce and challenge societal structures. The beautiful design contrasts with the potential for the space to be used for less noble pursuits.