Girl Under Blossoming Tree

vc-28-53
Koloman (Kolo) Moser (1868-1918)

Currently in a museum exhibit
Leopold Museum, Vienna
May 25 – September 10, 2007

Illustration for the journal ‘Ver Sacrum’
1898, first issue of first year, page 3
pen, ink and watercolor
Signed with ‘MK’ monogram

When the members of the Vienna Secession (Klimt, Olbrich, Hoffmann, Moser,...) held their first general assembly in June of 1897, there was unanimous agreement that it should publish its own journal, for which the name ‘Ver Sacrum’ (Sacred Spring) was chosen. This important periodical was not so much a record of decorative art and architecture as a variety of literature, illustration and graphic work. Koloman Moser made notable graphic contributions throughout the journal’s life (1898-1903). This drawing of the girl under the blossoming tree is of special importance, since it was illustrated in the first issue of Ver Sacrum in 1898.

16” x 6”
38”x 28.5” framed

Lit: Maria Rennhofer, Koloman Moser, Verlag Christian Brandstaetter, (Vienna, 2002) Ill. page 39.