Table 1904

This table was designed by Josef Hoffmann, an Austrian architect and designer, known for his role in the Vienna Secession. The Secession emerged as a revolt against the conservative artistic establishment of late 19th-century Vienna. Hoffmann’s table embodies the Secessionist’s pursuit of the Gesamtkunstwerk, a total work of art, where every element from architecture to furniture was conceived as a unified aesthetic experience. Made from wood, its geometric form is softened by the natural grain of the material. The grid-like structure beneath the tabletop balances functionality with a distinct visual language. Hoffmann sought to democratize design, making aesthetically pleasing and functional objects accessible to a wider audience. What we see here is a conscious effort to break away from the ornate styles of the past and embrace a more modern, streamlined aesthetic. The table invites us to consider the ways in which design can shape our daily lives and reflect our cultural values.