A rare stained oak Secessionist extendable dining table attributed to Josef Hoffmann (1870 - 1956)
A rare stained oak Secessionist extendable dining table attributed to Josef Hoffmann (1870 - 1956)
5975
The rectangular top with canted corners and two extending leaves on a plain frieze supported by four bold hexagonal legs.
Possibly manufactured by cabinetmaker Josef Hrdonka. Austria, circa 1915
Provenance: Property of a private collection. By repute, once in the collection of Roberto Polo, Paris, 2003/04
Width when extended 220cm
This table bears similarities to various Hoffmann designs of the same period. Most strikingly, however, to a large kitchen table designed by Hoffmann and executed by Josef Hrdonka, illustrated in Max Eisler, Österreichische Werkkultur, Vienna, 1916, p.122. Here the same distinctive, broad hexagonal legs appear, only this time in a white lacquer finish.
Josef Hrdonka was an Austrian cabinetmaker in the early 20th century who carried out work for the Wiener Werkstätte among others. Hoffmann would often favour certain cabinetmakers for particular projects. Although he remains an obscure figure in early 20th century decorative arts, his work was praised in design journals of the time (e.g. Kunst und Kunsthandwerk, 1904), and to be commissioned by Hoffmann is testament to his ability.
By repute once part of the collection of Roberto Polo, a taste-making collector renowned for his ability to invest in styles and makers long before they came into fashion. His collection of furniture and objects from the early 20th century European avant-garde, including the Vienna Secession, was regarded as one of the most important in the world.
Dimensions:
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