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.
Original Josef Hoffmann & J. & J. Kohn Bench Vienna Secession, 1901
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare and early bench, obviously the role model for the famous Barrel chair #720 which was presented four years later, in 1905.
Bentwood, Plywood
Kubus Leather Sofa by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann, 1980s
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Hamburg, PA
Iconic Kubus sofa designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1910 and masterfully produced by Wittmann Möbelwerkstätten, Austria, in the 1980s. Upholstered in beautiful, supple cognac-brown leat...
Leather, Wood
Salon Set by Josef Hoffmann, 1910s, Excellent Condition
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
Art nouveau sofa set Thonet, J/J Kohn, upholstered in genuine leather, designed by architect Josef Hoffmann for the Fledermaus cabaret in Vienna, Austria, completely restored, newly ...
Leather, Bentwood
Customizable Wittmann Alleegasse Sofa by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
Design: Josef Hoffmann This upholstered suite was designed in 1912 for Dr. Hugo Koller’s music room as part of the furnishings at his Vienna apartme...
Fabric, Leather
Fledermaus bench no.728 by arch.Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Fledermaus bench no.728 by arch.Josef Hoffmann in very nice original condition with signs of use.
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
Sofa by Josef Hoffman for J & J Kohn, Vienna, Austria, 1900s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brussels, BE
Sofa by Josef Hoffman for J & J Kohn, Vienna, Austria, 1900s
Fabric, Wood
Black Leather Kubus Sofa Model “8020” by Josef Hoffmann for Wittmann, Austria
By Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann
Located in Meulebeke, BE
An icon of early modernist design, the Kubus sofa model “8020” stands among Josef Hoffmann’s most celebrated creations—an architectural composition of perfect cubes, conceived in 191...
Leather, Wood
Customizable Wittmann Club 1910 Leather Lounge Chair by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
This 1910 design is testimony to the diversity of Josef Hoffmann’s work. Wittmann has created a matching sofa. Price listed for starting leather, also available in fabric - starts at...
Leather, Fabric
Customizable Wittmann Villa Gallia Sofa Chair by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
This suite was created in 1913 for the Gallia family’s apartment in Wohllebengasse, Vienna.
Fabric
Customizable Wittmann Kubus Leather Sofa by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
A Classic example of Hoffmann’s strict geometrical lines and the quadratic theme in his work is the Kubus armchair, designed in 1910 and handcrafted to ...
Leather
Customizable Wittmann Kubus Leather Sofa by Josef Hoffmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in New York, NY
A Classic example of Hoffmann’s strict geometrical lines and the quadratic theme in his work is the Kubus armchair, designed in 1910 and handcrafted to ...
Leather
$4,250 / set
H 32.29 in W 21.26 in D 20.87 in
Set Of Two Josef Hoffmann Chair No.406 Fledermaus For Jacob & Josef Kohn 1900s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Čelinac, BA
Set of Two Josef Hoffmann Chair No.728 FLEDERMAUS For Jacob & Josef Kohn 1900s
Fabric, Wood
$1,366Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.25 in W 16.25 in D 18.5 in
Josef Hoffmann 'Fledermaus Bat' Chair Model No.728
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Basel, BS
Designed by the renowned Viennese architect Josef Hoffmann in 1907 for the Fledermaus Cafe in Vienna, this single "Fledermaus" Model number 728, aka "Bat" Cafe chair features black upholstery covering the seat and backrest. The chair is supported by four cylindrical legs with spherical elements, showcasing a tub back with a horseshoe form base. Crafted from bent beech wood, this rare chair was specifically created for the Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna as one of Hoffmann's iconic designs. Representing a significant moment in design history, the chair is featured in the J. & J. Kohn catalogues as model no. 728. With its sleek bentwood frame, swooping armrests, and curved backrests, the chair exudes elegance and sophistication. The Fledermaus chairs embody Hoffmann's renowned Viennese Secessionist style, known for its simple geometric shapes and use of high-quality materials. Considered a bold departure from traditional European nightclubs, the design quickly gained popularity for its iconic and innovative aesthetic. This is an authentic Hoffmann chair manufactured by Wittman, the authorized manufacturer of the Fledermaus starting in the 1970s. This chair was sold by "Teo Jacob...
Leather, Faux Leather, Beech
$2,399 / set
H 29.14 in W 22.64 in D 18.12 in
2 Wittmann Fledermaus Chairs by Josef Hoffmann, Austria (Customizable)
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Argelato, BO
Set di due sedie modello "Fledermaus" (che significa "pipistrello" in tedesco), progettato dall'architetto e designer austriaco Josef Hoffmann nel 1907. Originariamente concepito per...
Bentwood
$10,072 / set
H 37.8 in W 25.99 in D 20.48 in
Set of Four Josef Hoffmann Armloffel Chairs Made by Wittmann, Austria
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
- Chairs designed by Josef Hoffmann and made by Wittmann of Austria - Originally designed in 1908, these examples are from the latter part of the 20th century. - Ebonized ash fram...
Wood, Leather
$4,342 / set
H 30.32 in W 47.25 in D 23.63 in
Restored Art Deco Seating Set, by J. Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte, Czech, 1910s
By Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Sofa dimensions: Height: 77 cm (30.3 in) Width: 120 cm (47.2 in) Depth: 60 cm (23.6 in) Seat: 45 cm (17.7 in) Chair dimensions: Height: 77 cm (30.3 in) Width: 57 cm (22.4 in) Depth:...
Wood, Walnut, Beech, Lacquer
1970s Wittmann Hochbaret leather Modular Sofa, Austria
By Wittmann
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of wear due to age - Patinated leather - heigh of seat 41 cm
Leather
Set of Sofa and Two Armchairs by Josef Hoffmann, 1900s
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
Art Nouveau Thonet sofa and two armchairs, J/J Kohn, upholstered in genuine leather, designed in 1905 by architect Josef Hoffmann for the Fledermaus cabar...
Leather, Bentwood
$57,000 / set
H 29 in W 54 in D 28 in
Josef Hoffmann 'Buenos Aires' Suite by J&J Kohn, Austria, Early 20th Century
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Austin, TX
A wonderful Vienna Secessionist parlor suite by Josef Hoffman, manufactured before 1920 by J & J Kohn, Vienna, Austria. The suite comprised of a settee and pair of armchairs or club ...
Leather, Beech
$2,285
H 28.75 in W 23.63 in D 20.48 in
Josef Hoffmann Variation of Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Armchair by Fischel
By Fischel, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
- wooden parts made of beechwood has been refurbished and finished by shellac - original springs - needs to be reupholstered - made in Czechoslovakia - labeled by producer
Fabric, Beech
$5,028
H 27.96 in W 46.07 in D 20.48 in
Josef Hoffmann Attributed Vienna Secession Bentwood Bench or Settee, circa 1910
By Thonet-Mundus, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This exceptional bentwood bench settee was made in early 20th century and is attributed to Josef Hoffmann designed for Thonet - Mundus. This model appeared in the catalog in 1907, an...
Beech, Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann "Cabinet" Sofa by Wittmann, Austria
By Wittmann, Julius Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made in the late 1980s by Wittmann Mobelwerkstattten Austria - Labeled by manufacturer - suitable for new upholstery - Wooden parts in good/very good condition with minor signs o...
Fabric, Wood
$14,193Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.93 in W 49.61 in D 26.78 in
Cabinet Sofa & Cabinet Chairs Josef Hoffman By Wittmann, Austria
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Kangasala, FI
A set of original "Cabinet sofa & chair set" by Josef Hoffman handmade in the 1980 by Wittman in Austria. Designed in 1903 for the Vienna home of Dr. Salzer. This fantastic cubisti...
Fabric, Oak
Original Wittmann Kubus Sofa Josef Hoffmann Couch Leder braun
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Wittmann Kubus Sofa als Zweisitzer in braunem Leder zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Josef Hoffmann und gilt heute al...
Leather
Josef Hoffmann Variation of Art Nouveau "Fledermaus" Sofa
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Praha, CZ
- Beech wood wooden Skelet carefully refurbished and finished in Shellac - Original upholstery in good original condition with some signs of use
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 31.5 in W 84.65 in D 33.47 in
PAIR OF BROWN SUEDE LEATHER JOSEF HOFFMANN 1905 STAMPED PALAIS STOCLET SOFAs
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite pair of original Palais Stoclet sofa's designed by the great Josef Hoffmann in 1905-1911 Please note the delivery...
Leather, Hardwood
Brown Leather Kubus Sofa and Matching Armchair by Josef Hoffman
By Alivar, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful vintage chocolate brown leather Kubus sofa 8020 and matching armchair designed by Josef Hoffman and made by Alivar. This set is was lovingly cared for and is in wonderful all original condition. Alivar Museum catalog...
Leather, Beech
Sold
H 30.71 in W 47.25 in D 22.84 in
Restored Art Deco Sofa, by Josef Hoffmann, J&J Kohn, Beech, Austria, 1910s
By J & J Kohn & Mundus, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Art Deco sofa Completely restored, new upholstery included. Designed by Josef Maria Hoffman, renowed Austrian architect and industrial engineer. Stable construction in perfect cond...
Fabric, Wood, Upholstery, Beech, Lacquer
Sold
H 28.75 in W 53.94 in D 27.96 in
Buenos Aires Set by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn, Austria, Early 20th Century
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Brussels, BE
Buenos Aires Set by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn, Austria, Early 20th Century Designer Biography : "The Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann was a central figure in the evolution of m...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 27.96 in W 63 in D 29.93 in
Mid-Century Modern Black Leather Kubus Sofa by Josef Hoffmann, Wittmann c.1980
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Renens, CH
The iconic Kubus sofa has been designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1910 and produced by Wittmann, Austria around 1980. The shape of the cube is the central element of this emblematic s...
Leather, Wood
Fledermaus Sofa by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession Fledermaus sofa designed by Josef Hoffmann in 1905 for Cabaret Fledermaus executed by J&J Kohn.
Fabric, Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann Rare Beige Leather Wittmann Kubus Sofa
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Miami, FL
A classic example of Josef Hoffmann’s strict geometrical lines and the quadratic theme in his work is this Kubus sofa. Originally designed in 1910 and hand...
Leather
Black Leather Kubus Sofa by Josef Hoffman for Wittmann
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful vintage leather Kubus sofa 8020 designed by Josef Hoffman for Wittmann. This sofa is was lovingly cared for in the past 2 decades by one of the ...
Leather, Beech
Josef Hoffmann Black Leather Kubus Sofa for Wittmann
By Josef Hoffmann
Located in Dallas, TX
Great geometric sofa designed by Josef Hoffmann, manufactured by Wittmann, Austria, circa 1999. The sofa was designed in 1910 and later Wittmann took it into production. This sofa is...
Leather
Sold
H 31.5 in W 84.65 in D 33.47 in
Wittmann Palais Stoclet Vintage Living Room 2 Sofa & 4 Armchairs, Set of 6
By Wittmann, Josef Hoffmann
Located in Munich, Bavaria
From Austrian designer Josef Hoffmann comes this great Palais Stoclet sofa Living room set Design year between 1905-1911 through the time of Art Nouveau and Vienna Secession for the...
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