Cruet Stand

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

The rigidly geometric form of this cruet stand is characteristic of the Wiener Werkstätte’s early production. The stand is one of a number of objects—including baskets, trays, vases, and even furniture—made from sheets of metal perforated with latticework patterns. Abandoning any reference to historical design, Werkstätte artists created simple but elegant forms they hoped would be consumed on a broad scale, bringing “good design” to the masses. Ultimately, though, Vienna’s intellectual elite, rather than the general public, embraced the Werkstätte’s avant-garde works. This cruet stand belonged to Fritz Waerndorfer, the Wiener Werkstätte’s patron and financier.

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