The collection presents items from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, showcasing the evolution of European furniture styles that deliberately imitated historical designs.
The exhibition, entitled The Greatest Plagiarism: Historicism in Furniture, features pieces such as a neo-Gothic wardrobe decorated with a depiction of the Last Supper, produced around 1900 by the Heinrich Sauermann factory in Flensburg, Germany; a neo-Rococo dresser from Philipp Richter’s workshop in Dresden; and neo-Renaissance armchairs crafted by Friedrich Otto Schmidt’s factory in Vienna.
Most of the items come from the Wrocław National Museum’s own collection, with many designed to mimic styles from earlier eras such as Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.
Image: National Museum in Wrocław/mnwr.pl
Curator Małgorzata Korżel-Kraśna explained the exhibition’s focus on historicism, an artistic style that emerged in Europe in the mid-19th century, characterized by its deliberate reproduction of earlier art and design styles. During a press conference, she highlighted how the Industrial Revolution spurred this trend by enabling mass production of furniture inspired by traditional craftsmanship, albeit at a faster pace.
"The goal was to replicate the work of past masters, utilizing new technologies and materials," Korżel-Kraśna said.
The exhibition also spotlights notable 20th-century furniture, such as unique chairs designed by Polish painter Józef Deskur in 1903 and a sofa from the famed Viennese cabaret Fledermaus, designed by Austrian architect Josef Hoffmann.
Additionally, pieces such as factory-produced tables by the renowned Thonet company and chairs from Poland’s Mazowia factory represent the shift to mechanized production.
Photo: PAP/Maciej Kulczyński
Regional craftsmanship is highlighted with a bedroom set crafted by the Woodcarving School of Cieplice, founded in 1902.
Marking a significant anniversary, National Museum director Piotr Oszczanowski said that this year is the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Silesian Museum of Artistic Craft and Antiquities, the predecessor of the National Museum in Wrocław.
"This anniversary resonates with our exhibition, as much of our collection, especially the art objects, originates from prewar Wrocław collections," he said.
Oszczanowski also paid tribute to recently deceased furniture conservator Franciszek Kosiński, who played a key role in restoring many of the items on display.
"This exhibition is also a form of thanks to him for his passion and professionalism," he remarked.
The Greatest Plagiarism: Historicism in Furniture is open until February 23.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP