Three-Part Mirror from the Estate of Emilie Flöge, c. 1905

This three-part mirror was created by the Wiener Werkstätte around 1905 and was owned by the designer, couturier and entrepreneur Emilie Flöge (1874–1952). Flöge was the sister-in-law and closest confidante of the painter Gustav Klimt (1862–1918). Together with her two sisters, she ran the haute couture fashion salon “Schwestern Flöge” furnished by the Wiener Werkstätte. It was the professed wish of the Wiener Werkstätte’s founders for their creations to reach as many areas of life as possible, an idea known as Gesamtkunstwerk, or universal work of art. Thus, the Wiener Werkstätte’s premises at Neustiftgasse 32–34 also comprised a leather workshop. This object consists of mirror glass and black leather, and features precious gold-embossed geometrical decor. Together with the leather, these gold ornaments determine the item’s overall elegant and luxurious character. For the designers of the Wiener Werkstätte approached every object, no matter how small, with the same diligence and care.

MR, 2021