The Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann was a central figure in the evolution of modern design, and a leader in an aesthetic movement born in Europe in the late 19th century that rejected florid, extravagant ornamentation in favor of a new emphasis on simplicity of line.
As a founder of the Vienna Secession — a union of artists and designers determined to upend Austria’s artistic conservatism — and later, a founder of the turn-of-the-century Wiener Werkstätte (in English: the Viennese Workshops), a design cooperative that produced superbly crafted furniture and housewares, Hoffmann was a pioneering practitioner of what would become a fundamental principle of modernism: that good design is a way of life.
Hoffmann came of age amidst a shift in the culture of the applied arts, as a conservative order that looked only to the past for inspiration was pushed aside. But what, exactly, would replace that order was in question — and Hoffmann’s career embodies the developing patterns of design’s new spirit. His architectural work reflects his time as a student of the Vienna architect Otto Wagner, who disdained excessive decoration and employed new materials such as steel girders and reinforced concrete to create buildings with airy, open interiors full of light.
As a designer of furniture and interiors, Hoffmann was consistently open-minded about the aesthetics he explored. He was an early adherent of the flowing, organic forms of the Art Nouveau design movement that began to flourish in the late 1880s — but by the opening of the Wiener Werkstätte in 1903, Hoffmann’s designs embraced the beauty of geometry in pieces that feature grids and angular forms.
Hoffmann’s greatest works reflect his ability to combine seemingly conflicting design visions into coherent wholes. His architectural masterpiece, the Stoclet Palace in Brussels, has an exterior that groups together simple geometric forms and spacious interiors marked by subtly naturalistic design details that lend rooms an air of charm and geniality.
Hoffmann’s signature furniture design is an adjustable lounge chair — the Sitzmaschine (1905) — that marries a curving frame with square and rectangular back- and side rests. This piece, like so many others by Hoffmann, reflects a groundbreaking, forward-thinking appreciation for the union of different looks and sources that marks the best of interior design in our own day. Moreover, items offered on 1stDibs — which range from enameled silver jewelry, to silver flower vase baskets and other decorative objects, to sofas, lighting pendants and sconces — testify to the astonishing breadth of Hoffman’s creative pursuits. He was truly a giant of design.
Josef Hoffmann Silk and Brass Pendant Wiener Werstaette 5th Avenue, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
This marvellous pendant was designed for the New York branch of the historical Wiener Werkstaette. All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will ...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Pendant Lantern, Edition by Woka
By Woka Lamps, Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
A pendant version of the very early Josef Hoffmann table lamp design Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures.
Brass
Josef Hoffmann/ Wiener Werkstätte Jugendstil Silk/Brass Wall Lamp Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
For the residence of the Banker Dr Dietrich Moldauer Material: Patinated brass, silk, all other colors are possible Most components according to the UL regulations, with an addition...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstätte Lantern, Jugendstil, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
This type of lamp was used by Josef Hoffmann in his best and puristic phase, two years before the founding of the historical Wiener Werkstaette for several houses: Hohe Warte Hennebe...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann for the Wiener Werkstätte Wall Light, Lantern, Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
This is a great lamp from Josef Hoffmann most important building - the Purkersdorf Sanatorium. The reading room at the first floor - on the original image one can see the lamp in the...
Crystal, Brass
Outdoor/Indoor Luminaire Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Wall Lamp, Re Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Outdoor luminaire from Josef Hoffmann 1904 for the Sanatorium Purkersdorf. Most components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fi...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann: Very Large Lantern (Villa Spitzer)
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
A huge hall lamp in the style of the Vienna Secession. This design by Josef Hoffmann was published in "The Studio" in 1906. Extremely heavy construction (approx. 20 kg): Superb bras...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Jugendstil Vienna Secessionist Lantern Pende, Re-Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
This type of lamp was used by Josef Hoffmann in his best and puristic phase, two years before the founding of the historical Wiener Werkstaette for several houses: Hohe Warte Hennebe...
Brass
XL-Graben Cafe Josef Hoffmann and the Wiener Werkstätte Chandelier, Re-Edition
By Wiener Werkstätte, Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Josef Hoffmann designed this pendant for the famous Graben Cafè in Vienna. he earlier has used this design for the Staekelberg, Knips and Zuckerkandl Mansion. We have also a version ...
Brass
Original Josef Hoffmann Attributed Lantern Wiener Werkstaetten Style, Jugendstil
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful lantern in the style of the early Josef Hoffmann and the historical Wiener Werkstaette, hammered with typical ornaments of this period - Quadratlhoffmann - means the Hoffma...
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Flush Mount Lamp / Lantern Jugendstil Re Edition
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Vienna, AT
Hohe Warte and House Waerndorfer. All components according to the UL regulations, with an additional charge we will UL-list and label our fixtures.
Crystal, Brass
$1,384
H 22.45 in W 7.09 in D 9.85 in
Large height-adjustable table lamp in the style of the Wiener Werkstätte; Josef
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Purkersdorf, AT
This extravagant table lamp dates from the late Art Nouveau period. This outstanding design is inspired by Josef Hoffmann's lamp designs for the Wiener Werkstätte. Solid nickel-plate...
Brass, Nickel
$2,460 / item
H 19 in W 7 in D 10.5 in
Hand-Crafted Classic Craftsman Style Lantern Exterior Outdoor Light Fixture
By Britt Jewett, Santa Barbara Lighting Company
Located in Santa Paula, CA
Inspired from a lantern from an old adobe, this lantern was created in homage to the old lantern and the history of the craft. Simple lines and the high pitched lid design make this ...
Wrought Iron
Pietro Chiesa Style Italian Lantern Pendant
By Fontana Arte, Pietro Chiesa
Located in Hanover, MA
1940's Italian pendant lantern in the style of Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte. Elegantly scrolled brass terminating in two scallop edged tulip form aluminum socket cups in original ...
Brass, Aluminum
Pair of Solid Brass Wall Lantern
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Elegant pair of wall lantern hand crafted from brass with three 40/watt light each. Suitable for wet locations, electrified and ready to use . Beautiful decorative pair of lantern indoor...
Brass
$3,650
H 31 in W 7 in D 10 in
Jacques Adnet Style Largest Size Sconces Lantern Wall Lamps France 1960, Pair
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Jacques Adnet style sconces, wall lights, lantern lamps in brass, etched glass and gun metal, this is the largest size, measures 31 inches height. In perfect working condit...
Brass, Steel
German Art Deco Glass and Brass Ceiling pendant Light 1900
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful Art Deco matte glass and brass pendant light. Germany, 1910 Lamp sockets: 1 E27 (US E26). Height of body: 35 cm
Brass
$5,082
H 34 in W 20 in D 20 in
French Art Nouveau Jugendstil Brass Glass Four-Light Chandelier, 1900-1910
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
One of kind Art Nouveau period brass and cut glass four-light chandelier, France, 1900-1910. Richly elaborate gilt brass with wonderful detailing and green glass panels adorning eac...
Crystal, Brass
$1,575 / set
H 20 in W 9.5 in D 10.25 in
Pair of vintage Solid Brass Wall Lanterns - Timeless Elegance for Your Home
Located in Delray Beach, FL
pair of vintage solid brass lanterns exudes timeless elegance and old-world charm. Crafted from , high-quality solid brass, will not rust ,built to last . Their classic design transc...
Brass
Angle Indoor/Outdoor LED Cast plated Silver Wet-Rated Sconce/Light
By Atelier de Troupe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Angle is a sculptural wall light in cast aluminum. A sweeping arc of light is carved into the face of the fixture bringing balance to its Brutalist form. The casting is finished to a smooth texture and is available in matte silver, bronze or black finish, and is wet rated...
Aluminum, Silver Plate
Angle Indoor/Outdoor Wet-Rated Sconce/Light
By Atelier de Troupe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Angle is a sculptural wall light in cast aluminum. A sweeping arc of light is carved into the face of the fixture bringing balance to its Brutalist form. The casting is finished to a smooth texture and is available in satin aluminum, bronze or matte black finish, and is wet rated...
Aluminum, Silver Plate
$1,050 / item
H 10 in W 7 in D 3 in
Kyoto Indoor Outdoor Led Cast Sconce Plated Size Wide Wet Rated Light
By Atelier de Troupe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kyoto is a unique outdoor/indoor lamp collection. Sand cast in aluminum. Finish options are satin aluminum, matte black, ore, bronze. The sconces are ha...
Brass
Outdoor Metal Sconce, Made in Italy
Located in Culver City, CA
Outdoor Metal Sconce Includes three frosted glass panes and wrought iron detailing. 10"w x 5"d x 17"h Made in Italy *Please Note: This fixture is made to order in Italy, and com...
Metal
$1,575 / set
H 20 in W 9.5 in D 10.25 in
Pair of vintage Solid Brass Wall Lanterns - Timeless Elegance for Your Home
Located in Delray Beach, FL
pair of vintage solid brass lanterns exudes timeless elegance and old-world charm. Crafted from , high-quality solid brass, will not rust ,built to last . Their classic design transc...
Brass
Italian Midcentury Rattan Wicker Pendant Light / Lantern
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-century Modern Rattan Woven Wicker Pendant Lamp / Hanging Light Beautiful Mid-Century Modern woven wicker wire and rattan pendant lamp / lantern, Italy, 1950s. The woven wicker c...
Wicker, Rattan, Cane
Iron and Glass Lantern Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Simple and elegant iron and glass pendants. Glass globe shaped as an octagon with inlaid iron with in clear glass. Oil rub bronze hardware. Newly re-wired. One available.
Sold
H 15.75 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Original Josef Hoffmann Attributed Lantern Wiener Werkstaetten Style, Jugendstil
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful lantern in the style of the early Josef Hoffmann and the historical Wiener Werkstaette, hammered with typical ornaments of this period - Quadratlhoffmann - means the Hoffma...
Brass