La Linea Viennese. Grafica Art Nouveau

Florence: Cantini Editore, 1989. First edition. Hardcover. vg to fine. Large Quarto. 338pp. Original red cloth with gray lettering on cover and spine, in original color illustrated dustjacket, black lettering on spine, housed in original slipcase. Extensive study and compilation of graphic Art Nouveau. "In a text that later became famous, Ornament und Verbrechen, Adolf Loos takes a stand against all forms of decorative art and therefore against art nouveau, then at its peak. In the historical perspective, that figurative culture assumes another importance and another meaning. Indeed, degenerations were not lacking; but in the most significant manifestations, art nouveau remains a fundamental stagnation of modern art. On the international scene, the Viennese contribution is becoming increasingly important. Graphics, both as an independent artistic expression and as an expression in the various sectors of so-called 'applied graphics', offer Viennese artists - not only to painters and graphic designers, but also to architects - the chance to explore formal solutions that will be the basis of many future developments of the avant-gardes and artistic currents of the twentieth century, from expressionism to futurism, to rationalism." (Publisher). Beautifully illustrated with striking color and b/w reproductions of graphic art from this period. Contains index of names at rear. Text in Italian. Slipcase with very light wear, dustjacket in near fine, interior in fine condition.