Greyhound

Art Historical Context

Behold the sleek elegance of *Greyhound* (1912), a vibrant color lithograph byiz Jung, a talented designer associated with the renowned Wiener Werkstätte. compact print, measuring just 5½ × 3⅜ inches, captures the lithe form of the noble greyhound in fluid lines and bold hues, embodying the workshop's commitment to modern design infused with Art Nouveau grace. Founded in 1903 in Vienna, Wiener Werkstätte united artists and craftsmen to elevate everyday objects through exquisite craftsmanship, blending functionality with artistic beauty during a time of rapid industrialization. Jung's lithograph exemplifies the workshop's prowess in graphic arts, where color lithography allowed for precise, multi-layered reproduction of intricate designs. The technique's versatility made such works ideal for posters, postcards, and decorative ephemera, democratizing high art. Greyhounds, symbols of speed and aristocracy, were popular motifs in early 20th-century European design, reflecting a cultural fascination with animals as emblems of refined modernity. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, this piece invites visitors to appreciate how Wiener Werkstätte bridged fine art and design, influencing global aesthetics well into the 20th century. A charming snapshot of pre-World War I Viennese creativity!

About the Artist

Moriz Jung|Wiener Werkstätte · 1885–1915

Austrian (born Czechoslovakia) Moravia 1885–1915 Manilowa (Carpathians)|